Saudi Arabia Deploys Drones and AI to Enforce Hajj Security and Improve Pilgrim Experience
In a landmark step to strengthen security and curb unauthorized pilgrimages, Saudi authorities have begun using drone surveillance throughout the holy city of Makkah during the ongoing Hajj season. The initiative is aimed at identifying and preventing the entry of individuals attempting to perform Hajj without valid permits.
According to reports from Saudi state media, drone operations have already resulted in the daily arrest of hundreds of violators. Among those apprehended are four Indonesian nationals accused of running a fake Hajj permit campaign. Authorities later raided their residence and arrested 14 more individuals, none of whom held official Hajj documentation.
AI Technology Enhancing Services at Medina Airport
In a separate move to support legitimate pilgrims, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has rolled out advanced AI-powered technologies at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina.
A total of 20 electronic gates (e-gates) have been installed to accelerate immigration clearance and minimize wait times. Additionally, over 30 advanced passport-reading devices are now operational, offering enhanced efficiency during arrival procedures.
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SDAIA is actively collaborating with immigration and airport officials to deploy artificial intelligence tools that improve service delivery. Four modern fingerprint scanning units have also been introduced at the arrival terminal, further enhancing security and processing capabilities.
To ensure smooth and uninterrupted operations, dedicated SDAIA support teams are stationed on-site to address any technical disruptions instantly. The airport has also increased staffing levels to manage the surge in Hajj-related passenger traffic.
These combined efforts reflect Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and seamless Hajj experience for all registered pilgrims, while strictly cracking down on illegal entries.
