Nusk Masar: An integrated digital system to facilitate Hajj and Umrah journeys
A comprehensive digital transformation to serve the pilgrims
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the activation of its integrated digital platform, “Nusk Masar,” a strategic step aimed at redefining the Hajj and Umrah experience and facilitating the journey of pilgrims from the moment they plan their pilgrimage in their home countries until their safe return. This platform is one of the key outcomes of the “Guests of God Service Program,” one of the executive programs of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to bring about a qualitative leap in all services provided to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Historical context and technological development in Hajj management
Over the decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made tremendous efforts to develop the Hajj system, keeping pace with the steady increase in the number of pilgrims. The management of Hajj seasons has undergone a radical transformation, moving from reliance on traditional, paper-based procedures to the adoption of the latest digital technologies. The launch of “Nusk Masar” represents the culmination of this journey, providing a unified digital infrastructure that connects all entities involved in providing services, from Hajj affairs offices in various countries to service providers within the Kingdom, and finally to the supervising government agencies. This transformation is no longer an option, but an absolute necessity to ensure the efficient and safe management of millions of pilgrims annually.
“Nusk Masar”: An integrated system for an easy Hajj journey
The “Nusk Masar” platform automates all procedures related to the Hajj pilgrimage, saving time and increasing efficiency. The platform effectively links contracting procedures for accommodation, transportation, and catering with operational and field activities, as well as visa application processing. The Ministry has adopted a clear digital timeline, starting with making camp data available in the holy sites, progressing through contracting and uploading pilgrim data, and culminating in visa issuance and the completion of preparations before their arrival in the Kingdom. This integration ensures accurate monitoring and reduces human error, positively impacting the quality of services provided.
Local and international impact of the digital platform
The impact of the Nusk platform extends beyond the local level, reaching pilgrims and organizers globally. Locally, the platform fosters digital integration between government and private entities, providing accurate and real-time data that contributes to proactive decision-making. Internationally, it facilitates transparent and seamless procedures for Hajj missions and tourism companies through a unified electronic portal. This year, the Nusk app has surpassed 51 million users worldwide, benefiting from over 100 digital services, underscoring the widespread global adoption of these technological solutions and their ability to reach pilgrims even before their arrival.
Smart technologies for crowd management in the holy sites
In a first for this year's Hajj season, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has activated a system of smart sensors and readers for the digital "Nusk" card. This advanced technology aims to manage crowd movement and monitor operations in real time, track crowd flow, and predict future pilgrim behavior. This directly contributes to improving crowd management efficiency, enhancing the flow of movement between the holy sites, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and security for the pilgrims.
