Saudi Arabia has unveiled a suite of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, drones, and an extensive network of surveillance cameras, to safeguard the 1.4 million pilgrims attending this year’s hajj.
At the heart of the operation is a high-tech control centre in Mecca, where Saudi officials monitor crowd flows using over 15,000 AI-enabled cameras. These systems can detect unusual crowd behaviour and anticipate bottlenecks along the 20-kilometre route between Mecca and Mount Arafat. The aim is to pre-empt accidents and reduce risks in an event that has previously seen deadly stampedes.
“In our traffic control room, we use specialised cameras that have AI layers to analyse movements, crowded areas and predict behaviours,” explained Mohamed Nazier, CEO of the General Transport Centre at the Royal Commission for Mecca.
Inside the centre, staff work around the clock tracking data on screens and maps. Cameras — some perched on nearby hillsides — film buildings, roads, and footpaths, enabling real-time surveillance of the pilgrimage route. The footage is used to guide more than 20,000 buses transporting pilgrims, helping to minimise long walks in the desert heat and avoid dangerous pedestrian traffic collisions.
A Decade Since Hajj’s Worst Tragedy
The drive to modernise hajj safety follows a string of past disasters. The deadliest occurred in 2015 when over 2,300 pilgrims were killed in a stampede during the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual. Other tragedies struck in 1990, 1994, 1998, and 2006, with thousands of lives lost over the years.
Mohammed al-Qarni, who oversees both hajj and the year-round umrah pilgrimage at the transport centre, said the AI system acts as “our eye on the ground,” helping authorities gauge crowd densities and intervene early in emergencies. During this year’s Ramadan, the system successfully halted entry to the Grand Mosque when it reached full capacity, a measure that potentially saved lives.
Combating Heat and Unregistered Attendance
Last year’s pilgrimage was marked by extreme heat, with temperatures reaching a blistering 51.8°C. The high death toll — 1,301 lives lost — was mostly among unregistered pilgrims without access to essential cooling facilities.
To prevent similar outcomes, authorities have increased surveillance to stop unauthorised worshippers from entering Mecca. Drone fleets and thermal imaging cameras are now deployed at entry points to detect and track unregistered pilgrims. Smart thermal imaging systems are also being used to monitor the perimeter of the city and nearby holy sites.
Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami, director general of public security, said: “We use artificial intelligence and other tools like drones and thermal imaging cameras.”
Hajj is a sacred duty for all Muslims who are physically and financially able, but strict quota systems and costs often leave many unable to attend through official channels. Saudi authorities now hope their hi-tech security measures will ensure the pilgrimage remains safe, efficient, and orderly.