Saudi Arabia launches new smart services to help Hajj pilgrims
Saudi Arabia has announced plans to help pilgrims during the Hajj season, using new smart services and digital platforms to make the journey smoother for millions of people.
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina will officially launch the plan on May 8.
It is considered the most wide-reaching programme since the new Hajj rules were introduced.
The new services include multilingual screens placed at important locations, digital tools to help people learn the Qur’an, and mobile apps to explain key parts of the holy book.
Special robots will also be used to guide and support pilgrims in different languages.
Officials say the goal is to improve the spiritual and personal experience for people from all over the world.
The plan also includes new educational and religious support for pilgrims with different cultural and language backgrounds.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Sudais, head of religious affairs at the two mosques, said the initiative aims to provide care while staying true to the values of the pilgrimage.
“Our aim is to ensure that pilgrims experience Hajj in accordance with prophetic teachings and with the highest standards of care,” he said.
The plan is part of Saudi Arabia’s continued effort to improve the organisation of Hajj, one of the largest annual gatherings in the world.
