The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Agency, known as SDAIA, is rolling out a program aimed at expanding the technological transformation Saudi Arabia is pursuing during the Hajj season, increasing operational efficiency and strengthening collaboration between government agencies in one of the world’s largest annual logistics operations.
The aim is to provide faster and better service to pilgrims.
SDAIA’s operations include the operation and support of 75 sites and 14 screening sites and security management centers within the Holy Land by providing technical systems and services. It also worked with the Ministry of Interior to support Hajj activities at air, land and sea ports across the Kingdom, while running technology systems and platforms in the Holy Land.
mecca route
SDAIA official spokesperson Dr. Majid Al-Shehri told Asharq Al-Awsat that the authority continues to support the Ministry of Interior’s Mecca Route Plan, which is now in its eighth year and is being implemented in cooperation with several government agencies.
He said SDAIA provides advanced technical services in 10 countries through 17 international ports and is equipped with the latest digital solutions powered by data and artificial intelligence in the halls of this initiative. The service helped pilgrims complete formalities at their home country’s airports before arriving in Saudi Arabia.
mobile device
Al-Shehri said that this year, SDAIA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, developed a mobile device powered by data and AI technology to help authorities complete the hajj formalities automatically and flexibly, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities.
The device authenticates travel documents and visas with high accuracy, ensuring a smoother and safer experience from the start. Capture biometrics, capture facial images, and read pilgrims’ passport data in just 40 seconds, improving performance and making this year’s Hajj journey easier.
SDAIA is also working with the Ministry of Interior to support Hajj operations at air, land and sea ports across the Kingdom, as well as operationalize technological systems and platforms in the holy sites and support screening sites and security control centres, al-Shehri said.
He said the initiative will strengthen technical integration with relevant government agencies, expedite procedures, support business continuity and improve operational efficiency during the season.
SDAIA strengthens the technical capabilities of Saudi air, land and sea ports and maintains uninterrupted operational readiness, with specialized teams working around the clock to ensure the continuity of technical services and primary and backup communications networks.
The company provided technical services at several major ports, including King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Taif Airport, Jeddah Islamic Port, Empty Quarter Crossing, Al Batah, Salwa, Al Ruqi, King Fahd Causeway, Harat Anmar, Neom Port, Jadidat Aral, Al Haditha and Al Wadia.
Operates 75 sacred sites
Al-Shehri said SDAIA’s activities span the operation and support of 75 sites in holy places and around 14 screening sites and safety management centres. This includes providing technical systems and services, overseeing infrastructure and communications rooms, preparing workstations, and connecting to SDAIA’s network in accordance with approved cybersecurity standards.
The work also included preventive maintenance, receiving and immediately processing technical reports, and training participating staff to use the latest systems and platforms.
Al-Shehri explained that the Smart Makkah Operations Center (SMART MOC) in Makkah is one of the main operational and technical pillars supporting SDAIA’s Hajj activities this year. The center monitors the performance of government-supervised systems and digital platforms, tracking response metrics and business continuity around the clock.
He said Saudi expert staff monitors data flows, detects and proactively addresses technical challenges, and helps maintain stable and reliable digital services in line with operational requirements and cybersecurity standards.
surveillance camera
Alsheri said SDAIA, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, developed a smart digital system for security surveillance cameras through the Sawaher platform.
The platform included the infrastructure of smart surveillance cameras, security monitoring rooms, and operational platforms to support on-site surveillance and crowd management at holy sites and the roads leading to them during pilgrimages.
The system uses advanced algorithms to analyze data, grouping metrics, and crowd behavior to measure density and crowd numbers.
Mr. Alsheli also mentioned the Baseer platform, which SDAIA jointly developed with the Ministry of Interior through advanced technical work based on AI techniques and algorithms such as computer vision and large-scale language models.
He said Basel monitors crowds during the 1447 Hajj season, provides security support and assists in the smooth movement of crowds entering the Two Holy Mosques. The platform is integrated with security and service agencies to provide accurate and immediate analysis to field commanders to support decision-making and improve pilgrim safety.
19 languages
Al-Shehri said Tawakarna, a comprehensive national application, accompanied pilgrims during this year’s Hajj through an integrated package of services available in 19 languages.
Pilgrims can easily log in and view services related to their journey, including pilgrimage permits available through Tawakkalna, which is integrated with Tasreeh, an integrated digital pilgrimage permit platform. This application also allows users to view all types of Hajj permits issued by government agencies.
Regarding philanthropy, Al-Shehri said that Ehsan, a national platform, continues to support projects that serve pilgrims by providing reliable opportunities to support Hajj-related initiatives.
He said Ehsan also organized a digital mechanism that enabled the electronic implementation of Udiyah sacrificial rituals in line with Islamic guidelines, ensuring efficiency and reliability, while at the same time strengthening the sustainability of the charity’s impact through the Ehsan Endowment Fund.
