Could AI one day perform all of Hajj social services?

Analysis The amount of tech integrated into Hajj has been growing year on year. (SPA)
The amount of tech integrated into Hajj has been growing year on year. (SPA)
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Updated 19 June 2024
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Could AI one day perform all of Hajj social services?

The amount of tech integrated into Hajj has been growing year on year. (SPA)
  • This year’s Hajj will likely exceed two million pilgrims, more than last year’s 1.8 million
  • Many AI-driven technologies have been introduced to streamline the Hajj process

RIYADH: Like every Dul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, millions of Muslims from all over the world have gathered in Saudi Arabia to take part in the ritual of Hajj, one of the world’s largest annual congregations.

Though this massive influx of pilgrims poses a challenge to the limits of the infrastructure and social services of the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, the Kingdom was well prepared to handle this year’s Hajj.




Social workers whose job it is to make the Hajj experience better for visitors, are a staple of the pilgrimage. (SPA)

As Saudi Arabia’s technological capabilities steadily expand, the country’s authorities have taken to using robotic social workers to make this spiritual experience of a lifetime unforgettable.

An estimated 1,845,045 pilgrims, 90 percent of whom came from outside the country, participated in Hajj last year, according to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics.

FASTFACT

Saudi Arabia has extensive experience with the use of tech during Hajj, particularly during the challenging post-COVID-19 seasons.

Social workers whose job it is to help make the Hajj experience better for visitors have long been a staple of the pilgrimage at every relevant location in Makkah and Madinah.




The amount of tech integrated into Hajj has been growing year on year. (SPA)

They play a vital role in supporting and assisting a pilgrim’s needs. However, the sheer scale of the event has some wondering whether artificial intelligence could complement, and even replace, certain social work functions.

Saudi Arabia has extensive experience with the use of technology during Hajj, particularly during the challenging post-COVID-19 seasons. Last year, the Kingdom’s Tourism Authority launched the Nusuk platform to streamline planning and booking for the entire Hajj experience.




The amount of tech integrated into Hajj has been growing year on year. (SPA)

Smart robots have been used for several years, working in the fields of disinfection and sterilization and the distribution of Zamzam water.

Last year’s Hajj also saw the use of AI-enabled robots which communicated with pilgrims in 11 languages to guide them through the performance of religious rituals and offer assistance. A number of advanced technologies have already been introduced this Hajj season.




The amount of tech integrated into Hajj has been growing year on year. (SPA)

On June 12, several officials from the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services and the General Authority of Civil Aviation witnessed the launch of a self-driving — or, rather, self-flying — aerial taxi service in Makkah.

The Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence has also deployed AI technology to improve the entry process for pilgrims, equipping more than a dozen entry points in the country.




Pilgrims arriving to take part in the ritual of Hajj, one of the world’s largest annual congregations. (File/@haramainrailway)

Drones have been monitoring the flow of pilgrims in Makkah around the clock to ensure a smooth experience, and field monitors wearing augmented reality glasses are overseeing transportation and traffic patterns.

For the elderly and those with disabilities, the new technologies are a welcome improvement. Smart golf carts and electric scooters for those with mobility issues can be reserved by pilgrims; their use has improved the flow of traffic in the holy cities.




Last year, Saudi Arabia welcomed more than 1.8 million pilgrims — some 90 percent of them from overseas. (@HajMinistry)

Saudi technology to benefit pilgrims has expanded even outside of the typical social services. For instance, this season an elderly Chinese pilgrim received a lifesaving, highly advanced wireless pacemaker at the King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah after experiencing arrhythmia.

AI-powered systems can optimize the scheduling and flow of pilgrims, manage crowd control, and ensure efficient distribution of resources.

With the amount of technology integrated into Hajj growing year after year, some may wonder what is in store for the use of AI during the pilgrimage. As in previous years, the Kingdom has continued to ensure that social services are readily available to all pilgrims.




The amount of tech integrated into Hajj has been growing year on year. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced this year the launch of Ajeer Al-Hajj, a service that enables businesses to hire seasonal workers specifically for the Hajj period.

The service allows facilities working during the Hajj season to cover the number of workers needed and contributes to serving pilgrims.




The amount of tech integrated into Hajj has been growing year on year. (SPA)

Social workers are entrusted with a variety of duties including helping pilgrims navigate their religious journey, assisting in emergency help with medical staff such as giving medical and psychological support to people at sites, reuniting separated or lost family members, and guiding pilgrims through crowded places.

These tasks require organization skills, language proficiency, cultural sensitivity, and quick responses to orders — all of which AI has the potential to excel at.




One of the services the Kingdom has been providing for decades for its visitors during this religious holiday is social service. At every location, there are social workers to ensure that pilgrims receive safe and best quality experience during Hajj. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Abeer Alomrani, a Saudi AI consultant, says that while it has the potential to significantly support and enhance the efficiency of operations during Hajj, AI cannot replace human creativity, complex moral judgment and deep cultural sensitivity.

“AI can excel in tasks that require data management and logistical planning. For instance, AI-powered systems can optimize the scheduling and flow of pilgrims, manage crowd control, and ensure efficient distribution of resources,” she said.




The amount of tech integrated into Hajj has been growing year on year. (SPA)

“These systems can analyze real-time data to adjust plans dynamically, helping to prevent bottlenecks and manage emergency situations efficiently.”

AI and virtual assistants have already been used to help pilgrims with accessing information and assist in locating missing people. Computer vision and natural language processing algorithms could also help with communication to serve pilgrims who may not speak the local language.

“AI-powered translation tools and natural language processing systems are highly adept at breaking down language barriers. These tools can provide real-time translation services to assist pilgrims from diverse linguistic backgrounds, ensuring that communication is clear and effective,” Alomrani said.

However, there have been concerns regarding AI and whether it can compare with humans in terms of creating genuine experiences for pilgrims. After all, computers cannot offer the empathy or emotional support that human social workers can provide.

Dr. Amal Salamah, a family medicine consultant, explained to Arab News the necessity of human interactions to solve health problems between patients and doctors.

“Some medical rules cannot be replaced, especially the ones that have direct contact with patients,” she said. “Empathy can’t be provided by robots. In our career, one plus one does not necessarily equal two. You might need to provide more. We always need to work by equity.”

Others believe that a hybrid approach, where AI can perform routine tasks and process large amounts of data while social workers focus on complex duties that require emotional intelligence, could be a promising way forward for the future of Hajj.

Alomrani strongly supports the use of a hybrid model and describes it as “the best approach.”

Through a hybrid method, social workers would feel comfortable and would have the time to “focus on the personal, empathetic interactions and decision-making that require a human touch,” she said.

“This synergy could ensure that the spiritual and logistical elements of Hajj are both honored and efficiently managed.”

As technology advances, AI will undoubtedly play a larger role in social services during Hajj season in the future.

Special care is needed to ensure that the new technologies being introduced operate with suitable cultural and religious context for the religious ritual.

While AI may never be able to replace human workers, it can contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ultimate goal of improving the quality of services and offering exceptional experiences to the millions of Hajj pilgrims every year.

 


Jeddah roadshow promotes Malaysia’s tourism, seeks more Saudi visitors

Jeddah roadshow promotes Malaysia’s tourism, seeks more Saudi visitors
Updated 4 sec ago
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Jeddah roadshow promotes Malaysia’s tourism, seeks more Saudi visitors

Jeddah roadshow promotes Malaysia’s tourism, seeks more Saudi visitors
  • Group included representatives from private sector companies, travel agents and hoteliers
  • Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing discussed preparations for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign

JEDDAH: Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Malaysia’s minister of tourism, arts and culture, led a delegation to Jeddah for a roadshow and business-to-business networking event aimed at exploring tourism opportunities between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.

Accompanied by Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, director general of Tourism Malaysia, the group included representatives from private sector companies, travel agents and hoteliers to network and form strategic alliances with buyers, travel agents and airlines from the Kingdom.

In his remarks, the minister discussed preparations for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which aims to attract 35.6 million tourists, focusing on increasing Malaysia’s visibility, improving accessibility, and enhancing the appeal of its tourism.

Speaking to Arab News, the minister said: “We are here to discuss further collaborations and launch the Visit Malaysia 2026 roadshow in Jeddah. Our annual roadshow allows us to showcase new offerings and strengthen partnerships with Saudi tour operators.”

Regarding Saudi tourist arrivals, he said: “We expect a rise in visitors from the Arab world, especially from Saudi Arabia, which has the largest percentage of visitors from the Middle East.”

He added: “Saudi Arabia has been a key market for Malaysia for years, and with Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching, we are targeting more visitors than last year, which reached 68,000.”

He asked everyone to work more vigorously and closely with Tourism Malaysia to send more Saudis to Malaysia, to observe its beauty and experience the sights and sounds of “Malaysia Truly Asia.”


Makkah launches digital tools to enrich Hajj pilgrims’ experience

Makkah launches digital tools to enrich Hajj pilgrims’ experience
Updated 22 min 47 sec ago
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Makkah launches digital tools to enrich Hajj pilgrims’ experience

Makkah launches digital tools to enrich Hajj pilgrims’ experience
  • Second version of AI-powered robot Manarah 2 launched
  • Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais reveals Hajj plan Thursday 

MAKKAH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched several digital tools to enhance the spiritual experience of pilgrims during the Hajj season. 

The initiative aims to convey the universal message of Hajj and highlight its Shariah objectives in multiple languages. 

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, inaugurated the second version of the artificial intelligence-powered robot Manarah 2. 

The launch included several smart interactive screens, a global electronic recitation platform, and a multilingual Surah Al-Fatiha app. 

During the Hajj season, the presidency is focused on enhancing the digital experience through integrated services, AI, smart apps, and media, in line with its broader transformation goals.

The initiative also supports Vision 2030 by utilizing advanced digital tools and content developed by local experts to promote the values of moderation and guidance rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah. 

The presidency’s Hajj operational plan, to be announced on Thursday, will prioritize enriching the pilgrim experience and will include scientific, educational, and guidance-based initiatives that reflect its core mission.


Saudi Arabia makes strides in Vision 2030, workplace safety

Saudi Arabia makes strides in Vision 2030, workplace safety
Updated 05 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia makes strides in Vision 2030, workplace safety

Saudi Arabia makes strides in Vision 2030, workplace safety
  • Vice environment minister highlights Kingdom’s focus on human capital, sustainability at Riyadh conference

Riyadh: Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour Al-Mushaiti has highlighted Saudi Arabia’s significant progress toward Vision 2030, with 93 percent of annual indicators met and 85 percent of initiatives either completed or on track.

Speaking at the Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference in Riyadh, he emphasized the environment sector’s commitment to sustainability and the prioritization of worker safety across all development projects.

Al-Mushaiti underscored the Kingdom’s focus on human capital, demonstrated by the establishment of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health and the adoption of international best practices.

He noted the water sector’s achievement of more than 190 million safe work hours and a sub-45-second emergency response time with zero serious incidents during large-scale project implementation, which he attributed to robust safety management systems.

The conference, held from May 4-6 under the theme “The Future of Occupational Safety and Health,” brings together senior officials, experts, and specialists from Saudi Arabia and around the world to explore future directions and challenges in global labor markets.

Al-Mushaiti also outlined environmental protection efforts, including a noise and light pollution monitoring program in major cities, citing potential productivity gains of more than 11 percent, according to the World Green Building Council.

He highlighted the success of the Saudi Green Initiative, which has led to the planting of more than 141 million trees, the rehabilitation of more than 313,000 hectares of degraded land, and the protection of more than 4 million hectares.

These environmental advances enhance worker safety and contribute to safer, more sustainable work environments, Al-Mushaiti said.

In agriculture, Al-Mushaiti affirmed the ministry’s adoption of Saudi Good Agricultural Practices standards, with 142 facilities accredited for safe practices, advanced pesticide control systems, and smart awareness platforms that have reduced pesticide residues to below 2 percent.

The three-day conference features scientific sessions, 60 workshops, 20 dialogue sessions, and the Global Occupational Safety and Health Hackathon, showcasing 30 innovative projects.


Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
Updated 05 May 2025
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Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
  • On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief completed medical programs in Tajikistan, Turkiye, and Tanzania, in line with the organization’s aim to support injured people worldwide.

The Saudi Noor Campaign, which will conclude on May 6, is tackling blindness in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The medical team examined 1,731 cases, assigned 198 prescription glasses, performed 60 operations and provided medication to 857 patients.

In Reyhanli district, Türkiye, KSrelief carried out a prosthetics and rehabilitation program.

With a team of 13 specialists, they fitted 36 individuals with prosthetics and 40 orthopedic splints.

On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

The team performed 133 open-heart catheterizations and 15 open-heart operations.

 


KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria
Updated 05 May 2025
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KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to launch volunteer programs throughout the Arab world to address humanitarian crises and improve the health of Yemeni and Syrian people.

In Damascus, the team completed three volunteer initiatives that supported hundreds with disaster response, administrative training, and psychosocial support for women and children. The program ran from April 26 to May 3.

In Yemen, meanwhile, KSrelief completed the first phase of an outreach vaccination campaign in the Aden governorate in collaboration with Yemen’s Minister of Public Health and Population Qasem Buhaibeh.

On Friday, the organization launched vocational training courses in Wadi Hadhramaut, Yemen, to improve the livelihood of locals and boost economic development.

The project targeted 1,500 people and focused on home appliance maintenance, carpentry, vehicle repair, men’s tailoring, beekeeping, plumbing, photography, and electricity and energy.