The Digital Pilgrimage: Monitoring Hajj 1446 with Real-Time Systems

🕌 HIRO Situational Research Bulletin

Hajj & Umrah 1446 AH (2025) 

 Comprehensive Status Report and Strategic Overview

Date: Sunday, 8th June 2025 / 11th Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH
Source: Verified international media, official Hajj authorities, HIRO intelligence desk.


🔍 1. Strategic Overview of Hajj 1446 AH / 2025

▪ Dates of Hajj 1446H:

The Hajj rituals took place from Tuesday, 8th Dhul-Hijjah to Sunday, 12th/13th Dhul-Hijjah 1446H corresponding to May 28 – June 2/3, 2025 (Gregorian).

▪ Global Participation:

  • Total Pilgrims: Approx. 1.67 million
    • International Pilgrims: ~1.51 million
    • Domestic Pilgrims (KSA Residents): ~170,000
  • 30-year Low Attendance: Due to tightened eligibility (first-time pilgrims prioritized), rising costs, climate concerns, and visa quotas.

🧠 2. Technological & Logistical Advancements

▪ AI & Digital Governance:

  • Deployment of thermal drones, facial recognition, and real-time tracking via the “Nusuk” digital Hajj card (used by over 1.4 million pilgrims).
  • Smart traffic flow through an integrated Hajj Transport Center, combining buses, trams, and metro lines in coordination with real-time crowd analytics.

▪ Health Intelligence:

  • Health Ministry operated an AI-based emergency response system and wearable health monitors.
  • Remote patient stabilization, including a recorded incident of a Moroccan pilgrim with a heart attack, exemplified the system’s efficacy.
  • No epidemic outbreaks reported across all pilgrimage zones.

🌡️ 3. Environmental & Safety Infrastructure

▪ Climate Mitigation:

  • Expansion of the Masjid al-Haram Cooling Plant (largest globally) – 155,000 refrigeration tons.
  • Use of white reflective pavement, mist fans, and 10,000+ shading trees.
  • A 75% increase in electrical power supply in Mina and surrounding areas.

▪ Operational Safety:

  • KSA banned pilgrims below 12 years of age and emphasized mandatory heat awareness sessions.
  • Over 32,000 field personnel (security, health, logistics) deployed.

🗺️ 4. Site-Specific Situation Reports (as of June 8, 2025)

🕋 Makkah (Masjid al-Haram):

  • Massive cooling systems and digital crowd control enhanced comfort and security.
  • Tawaf and Sa’i rituals are now being regulated via smart entry schedules using digital passes.
  • Enhanced AI surveillance in place around Haram precinct.

🕌 Madina:

  • Pilgrims continue to visit post-Hajj; local authorities are managing crowd flow with ease.
  • Infrastructure development under the Rua Al-Madina project supports the Vision 2030 goal of accommodating 30 million annual pilgrims.

⛺ Mina:

  • All pilgrims returned to Mina post-Arafat and Muzdalifah without any major incident.
  • The smart tent city managed logistics for food, water, waste, and cooling using automation and central command systems.

🏞️ Arafat:

  • Standing at Arafat (Wuquf) on June 5, 2025, was conducted in a peaceful, highly coordinated manner.
  • Live AI monitoring prevented stampedes, and water mist sprays prevented heat-related collapses.

🪨 Muzdalifah (Mustalifa):

  • Pilgrims successfully moved to Muzdalifah at sunset after Arafat. Pebble collection was smooth, assisted by directional signs and logistics control.
  • Transport to Mina for Jamarat stoning followed a phased movement schedule to reduce congestion.

🕊️ 5. Umrah Post-Hajj (2025) – Forecast & Resumption

  • Scheduled Resumption: Expected from Wednesday, June 11, 2025 (15th Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH).
  • Pilgrims are encouraged to register via the Nusuk App for crowd control and time-slot allocations.
  • Ministry of Hajj and Umrah projects an early surge of foreign Umrah pilgrims due to the global demand after Eid.

✅ 6. Summary & Strategic Insights for HIRO

Pillar Status Observations
Pilgrim Safety ✅ High No major incidents; excellent climate response & emergency readiness.
Digital Efficiency ✅ Advanced Real-time coordination, AI-enabled movement control, and e-permits optimized operations.
Health Surveillance ✅ Robust Successful patient monitoring, emergency response via wearable tech, and zero outbreak.
Crowd Control ✅ Seamless Unified Transport Center and staggered scheduling prevented bottlenecks.
Post-Hajj Umrah ⏳ Pending Umrah resumes June 11. Preparations ongoing for managing influx.

📎 Recommendations for HIRO Stakeholders

  1. Encourage early adoption of smart systems like Nusuk, thermal scanners, and mobile health trackers in planning future pilgrim logistics.
  2. Research opportunities: Evaluate long-term effects of reduced pilgrim quotas on spiritual fulfillment and economic implications for participating countries.
  3. Partner with smart tech vendors for IoT and AI deployment in local pilgrim monitoring centers.
  4. Document real-time lessons learned from Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah to guide future crowd flow designs and training modules.

📩 For further briefings, visual infographics, or technical annexes, contact the HIRO Intelligence Desk or request the full field-report version.

Courtesy: Google.com/ AI research.

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