Digital technologies in Mecca: How do they enhance the experience of pilgrims?
A historic transformation in serving the guests of God
Makkah is witnessing a qualitative and historic transformation in the use of smart technologies and digital applications to serve pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors. Historically, managing millions of people in a limited geographical area and within a short timeframe relied almost entirely on human effort and traditional organization, posing a tremendous logistical challenge. Today, with the increasing number of Muslims wishing to perform the rituals from all over the world, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has recognized the importance of implementing a qualitative shift based on smart city solutions to facilitate the performance of rituals, organize crowd movement, and improve the quality of services inside and outside the Grand Mosque.
The “Nusk” app: The global digital gateway
The Nusk app stands out as one of the most significant digital achievements overseen by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. It has evolved from a mere tool into the primary and essential digital platform for pilgrims. The app enables Muslims worldwide to issue Umrah and visit permits, manage their trip details, book services, and access necessary guidance even before departing their home countries. This development reflects a positive international impact, facilitating Muslims' access to the Two Holy Mosques with ease and peace of mind.
Artificial intelligence and robotics in the Grand Mosque of Mecca
Inside the Grand Mosque, technology has enhanced the spiritual experience and provided a safe environment. Smart, multi-tasking robots have been introduced, offering religious rulings and guidance in several languages, along with continuous sanitization robots that ensure the highest health and safety standards. Furthermore, digital platforms have been provided to broadcast sermons and religious lessons with simultaneous translation, deepening the religious and intellectual impact for visitors from diverse cultures.
Crowd management and unified mobility platform
On the logistical and spatial front, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques launched the “Unified Mobility Platform.” This platform allows for the electronic booking of electric carts for Tawaf and Sa’i, efficiently serving the elderly and people with disabilities. To address the challenges of crowd density, relevant authorities now rely on artificial intelligence and big data analytics to monitor crowd flow in real time. This development empowers decision-makers to proactively direct crowds via digital screens toward less congested routes, enhancing public safety to an unprecedented degree.
Vision 2030 and Infrastructure Development
Regionally and locally, this transformation extends to the infrastructure of Mecca and the Holy Sites, where the Royal Commission for Mecca and the Holy Sites and the Kadana Company are working on advanced technology projects to manage transportation and bus traffic through smart maps. These tremendous efforts translate the objectives of the “Guests of God Service Program,” one of the most important programs of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to host 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030. Combining the sanctity of the place with the latest technological advancements makes Mecca a unique global model for smart city management, ensuring every visitor a spiritually enriching and unforgettable experience.
