As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to enhance services for pilgrims and facilitate their spiritual journey, the comprehensive national application "Tawakkalna" has enabled the electronic viewing of Hajj permits. This step serves pilgrims performing Hajj, those working during the 1447 AH Hajj season, residents of Makkah, private sector employees, and domestic workers. This initiative aims to empower beneficiaries to easily view and display their permits during the Hajj season, directly contributing to increased efficiency in digital services and streamlining the performance of the rituals.
General context and historical background of digital transformation in Hajj
Historically, managing and organizing crowds and issuing paper permits has posed a significant challenge for relevant authorities due to the millions of pilgrims who flock to Mecca annually. With the launch of Vision 2030, the government system has undergone a radical digital transformation, with the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) undertaking the development of innovative technological solutions. The “Tawakkalna” application has evolved from a simple healthcare platform during the COVID-19 pandemic to become the comprehensive digital umbrella relied upon by millions of individuals in the Kingdom to conduct their daily and governmental transactions, most notably the digitization of Hajj and Umrah services, making them readily accessible.
Types of permits available through the application
The “Tawakkalna” application provides a comprehensive digital experience that facilitates and organizes entry and movement within Mecca and the Holy Sites. Permits available through the application include: Hajj permit, entry permit for workers in Mecca, work permit for workers in the Holy Sites, entry permit for private sector employees and domestic workers in Mecca, as well as a volunteer permit and a vehicle permit. This variety ensures coverage for all categories present in the Holy Sites, guaranteeing the safety and security of everyone and the smooth flow of movement.
The importance of the event and its expected impact locally and internationally
Locally, this upgrade helps alleviate the burden on security checkpoints and expedites screening and verification processes, reducing traffic and crowd congestion at the entrances to Mecca and ensuring a safe environment. Regionally and internationally, providing these services reflects the Kingdom's modern and technologically advanced capabilities, underscoring its exceptional ability to manage the world's largest human gathering using cutting-edge smart technologies. It also provides pilgrims arriving from around the world with peace of mind, as they can access their official documents with the touch of a button and complete reliability.
Features of the Tawakkalna app and record-breaking numbers
To ensure comprehensive service, the Tawakkalna app supports 19 different languages, making it easy for pilgrims of all nationalities, as well as citizens and residents, to use. The app currently offers more than 1,300 digital services developed in collaboration with over 350 government entities. These services cover a wide range of sectors, including personal, family, educational, health, judicial, professional, tourism, and entertainment. Thanks to these capabilities and the app's high-quality technology and reliability, it has reached over 36 million users.
Those wishing to benefit from the services of the “Tawakkalna” application can easily download it through the approved electronic stores, which are: (App Store, Google Play, AppGallery, Galaxy Store), to start a unique and convenient digital experience that keeps pace with the aspirations of the times.
