Makkah Road: Hajj procedures completed in 40 seconds thanks to artificial intelligence
A technological achievement that serves the pilgrims
In a move reflecting the significant progress Saudi Arabia is making in serving pilgrims, the Ministry of Interior announced a record-breaking time for completing travel procedures for pilgrims benefiting from the “Makkah Route” initiative. Procedures can now be completed in less than 40 seconds per pilgrim. This achievement is the result of fruitful cooperation between the Ministry and the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), which led to the development of a mobile device utilizing the latest artificial intelligence technologies and advanced digital solutions.
Makkah Route Initiative: Background and Development
The Makkah Route Initiative is a pioneering initiative within the Guests of God Service Program, one of the programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Launched as a pilot program in 2017 before its official implementation the following year, its primary goal is to facilitate the Hajj pilgrimage and make it more accessible and spiritually enriching. The initiative's concept is based on completing pilgrims' entry procedures into the Kingdom at their home airports, including biometric data collection (fingerprints and facial recognition), visa issuance, health verification, and baggage tagging and sorting. Upon arrival at the Kingdom's airports in Jeddah and Madinah, pilgrims proceed directly to their designated buses, which transport them to their accommodations without needing to go through passport control and customs again.
Expansion and international impact
The initiative continues to expand year after year, now in its eighth year, operating through 17 air gateways in 10 countries worldwide, including Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco, Bangladesh, and Turkey. This expansion not only enhances the comfort of pilgrims but also solidifies the Kingdom's position as a leader in crowd management and the provision of advanced logistical services internationally. Furthermore, it deepens bilateral cooperation between the Kingdom and these countries and presents a global model for how technology can be utilized to serve major religious events.
The role of artificial intelligence in accelerating procedures
The new mobile device, developed by SDAIA entirely by Saudi nationals, represents a significant leap forward in performance efficiency. It enables the capture of biometric data and the reading of passport information with exceptional accuracy and speed, drastically reducing waiting times. This device is particularly important for serving the elderly and people with disabilities, allowing them to complete their procedures effortlessly in their own homes. This integration of human resources and innovative technology ensures a safe and seamless travel experience from the moment pilgrims depart their home countries, embodying the unwavering commitment of the wise leadership to caring for the pilgrims of the Holy House of God and providing them with the highest quality services.
