The Hajj and Umrah experience has undergone a fundamental transformation with the introduction of smart services and modern technologies. These have become a cornerstone in organizing the rituals and ensuring the comfort and safety of the pilgrims. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed these technologies at the heart of its strategy to develop Hajj and Umrah services, greatly facilitating the pilgrim’s journey, making it more spiritual, and allowing them to focus on worship
Electronic applications are at the forefront of these technologies. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched advanced platforms such as “Eatmarna” and “Tawakkalna”, which have revolutionized crowd management and visit scheduling. The “Eatmarna” app allows pilgrims to book appointments for performing Umrah, prayers at the Sacred Mosque, and the Prophet’s Mosque, as well as schedule visits to the Holy Rawdah and navigate the sacred sites. It also offers detailed maps of sacred locations and service points, contributing to a smooth and organized trip. Meanwhile, the “Tawakkalna” app combines regulatory permits with tracking the health status of pilgrims, making it an all-encompassing tool for managing rituals and ensuring everyone’s safety.
To enhance organization, the Two Holy Mosques rely on advanced technologies for crowd management. Smart cameras are used to monitor the flow of visitors within the Haram and the holy sites, along with electronic tracking systems to determine crowd density in various areas. This allows for quick intervention to ensure smooth movement. Digital screens are scattered throughout the mosques, providing immediate guidance on prayer and Tawaf locations, offering content in multiple languages to cater to visitors from various nationalities.
Additionally, the electronic booking systems have greatly simplified the pilgrims’ experience. Through the smart apps, pilgrims can book tickets for transport services like the Haramain Train and the Mashair Train, receiving notifications about trip timings and station locations. These systems also provide services like booking electric scooters, which enable the elderly and people with disabilities to move around the Two Holy Mosques with ease.
In terms of guidance and direction, the Haram has introduced interactive maps and virtual reality technologies. The maps integrated into the apps help pilgrims pinpoint exact locations for doors, facilities, and Tawaf or Sa’i routes, while real-time updates about visitor density in various areas are also available. Virtual reality technologies allow pilgrims to explore the Holy Mosque virtually before their visit, helping them plan ahead and navigate confidently
The financial aspect has also been addressed, with the activation of electronic payment systems to ease transactions inside the Haram. This includes purchasing products or making donations to charitable organizations associated with the holy sites. E-wallets and POS systems connected to the smart apps reduce the reliance on cash, making the pilgrims’ experience safer and more convenient.
Healthcare services have also been significantly developed, with medical services integrated into the smart apps. Pilgrims can easily request medical consultations or emergency assistance. Immediate health alerts are sent via messages to inform pilgrims about weather conditions or provide medical warnings when needed.
These smart technologies have contributed to a comprehensive improvement in the pilgrim’s experience by saving time and effort, enhancing safety, and ensuring better organization. Thanks to these innovations, pilgrims can focus on performing their rituals with spirituality and peace of mind, while logistical aspects are managed with high efficiency. These efforts reflect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing the best services to guests of Allah, making the Hajj and Umrah journey an unforgettable experience that embodies progress and comprehensive care.
