Mobily, in partnership with Ericsson, has deployed advanced AI-driven technologies to optimize network performance and improve connectivity for millions of pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Pilgrim Experience Program, supporting the Kingdom’s digital transformation and national development goals.
The partnership leverages Ericsson’s Cognitive Network Solutions, including Uplink Interference Optimization, which uses Explainable AI to detect and classify network anomalies, recommend solutions, and enable zero-touch automated responses. This AI system provides transparency through detailed reports, eliminating the “black box” nature often associated with AI decision-making.
Ericsson’s real-time network monitoring dashboards give Mobily customized insights into network performance and user experience. AI-powered anomaly detection facilitates proactive mitigation of coverage gaps with one-minute resolution, ensuring exceptional service reliability during peak usage in Mina and Haram.
The Uplink Interference Optimization module achieved Level 4 autonomy on the TM Forum scale, enabling the system to autonomously monitor, predict, and adjust network parameters without human intervention to maintain service quality. The approach combines centralized AI for network orchestration with distributed AI for local, rapid decision-making in high-density areas, enhancing dynamic traffic management and service quality.
Results during Hajj showed significant network improvements: a 15% increase in Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), 9% improvement in higher order modulation, 7% boost in spectral efficiency, and 10% gain in 5G throughput. These enhancements allowed more efficient spectrum use without expanding cell capacity, improving communication quality amid increasing user numbers and facilitating essential services and navigation for pilgrims.
Alaa Malki, CTO of Mobily, emphasized the importance of this AI-powered collaboration in delivering a smooth, connected Hajj experience, reflecting Mobily’s commitment to digital transformation and Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
Håkan Cervell, VP and Head of Ericsson Saudi Arabia, highlighted how responsible AI and the blend of centralized and distributed intelligence allowed Mobily to maintain consistent service quality during one of the world’s busiest events, advancing innovation and operational agility aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
Mobily and Ericsson’s longstanding partnership continues to drive digital transformation and reliable connectivity for millions across Saudi Arabia, reinforcing their shared vision of operational excellence and innovation.
