MAKKAH: The safety, comfort and experience of millions of pilgrims at the Grand Mosque will be better than ever, thanks to the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques harnessing advanced technology and improving its strategic oversight.

At the heart of the transformation is a command center which gives the authority a comprehensive overview of operations. Advanced sensors at key entrances track pilgrim numbers in real time, enabling precise crowd monitoring and management in collaboration with relevant authorities.

A camera system captures real-time entry movements, providing instantaneous insights into pilgrim flows and pinpointing potential congestion risks. This dual-system approach has transformed crowd control within the mosque and is particularly effective in critical areas such as the Tawaf and Sa’i routes.

The system enables seamless crowd control during peak periods, facilitating smooth entry and exit processes. By leveraging precise and historical data, it ensures decision-makers can make swift, informed choices.

Over 200 digital panels have also been installed to improve spatial navigation, helping pilgrims move more efficiently through the mosque complex.

The number of electric golf carts has been expanded to 400, as well as custom-designed manual carts being available. This meets the diverse needs of pilgrims during the season, ensuring comfortable and seamless transportation that simplifies the performance of religious rituals.

A huge cooling infrastructure spans the sacred space, utilizing 155,000 tonnes of refrigeration to maintain perfect ambient temperatures across the Grand Mosque. Balanced lighting illuminates every corner, while a precision audio system ensures that calls to prayer and religious services resonate with clarity. A new luggage storage service also offers secure, QR-coded smart tags for easy tracking and retrieval of belongings.

The authority maintains rigorous standards and conducts periodic updates as part of efforts to maintain service efficiency and accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.