Saudi Arabia has introduced new AI-powered technologies to streamline travel procedures for Hajj pilgrims under the Kingdom’s Makkah Route Initiative, reinforcing its broader push toward digital transformation in religious tourism and border management.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), unveiled the advanced digital solutions to improve operational efficiency and enhance the pilgrimage experience for millions of travelers expected during Hajj season.
Now in its eighth year, the Makkah Route Initiative is currently operating through 17 ports across 10 countries, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The programme enables pilgrims to complete key travel procedures before arriving in the Kingdom, helping reduce congestion and accelerate entry processes.
At the centre of the latest deployment is a newly developed AI-enabled smart mobile device designed to simplify immigration and verification procedures, particularly for elderly pilgrims and people with disabilities.
The device leverages artificial intelligence and advanced data technologies to automatically verify travel documents and visas while simultaneously capturing biometric data, passport details, and facial images in under 40 seconds per pilgrim.
Saudi authorities said the rollout reflects the Kingdom’s continued investment in intelligent government services and next-generation digital infrastructure aimed at improving the efficiency, speed, and accessibility of Hajj operations.
The initiative also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 agenda, which prioritises AI adoption, smart governance, and digital public services across critical sectors including transportation, tourism, healthcare, and public administration.
This year’s Hajj is expected to take place between May 25 and May 30, subject to the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon.
Editor’s Note: Saudi Arabia’s integration of AI-driven biometric verification into Hajj operations highlights how governments are increasingly deploying intelligent automation in high-density mobility environments, where speed, security, and accessibility must operate simultaneously at massive scale.
Saudi Arabia is deploying AI-powered biometric devices under the Makkah Route Initiative to process Hajj pilgrims in under 40 seconds, accelerating travel procedures and improving accessibility for elderly and disabled travelers ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage season.
#SaudiArabia, #AI, #Hajj
