Jeddah, July 10, 2021, — Successful implementation of technology and modernizing projects have established the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a world leader at managing the crowds of the Hajj rituals each year.
The Ministry of Haj has employed urgently completed projects for high-frequency transportation of pilgrims, thereby establishing technology-based systems for monitoring and follow-up of the journeys of pilgrims.
In addition to launching the project of pre-prepared meals, the Ministry has implemented electronic delivery of housing camps to pilgrims at the Holy Sites and electronic linkage with the concerned authorities to follow up on reports of malfunctions at the camps.
In its belief that human health and safety come first, the Kingdom has decided to limit Haj pilgrims to 60,000 due to the Coronavirus again this year.
The Ministry has launched the technology path for domestic pilgrims for booking and purchase of Hajj packages. A “Smart Hajj” card has been introduced in the continuation of technology implementation. This “Smart Hajj” card adopts “near field communication technology “NFC” that permits reading of the card by self-service devices available at the holy sites. In addition, this smart card includes features like guiding pilgrims to their accommodation, access to various facilities, and limiting illegal Hajj.
A new tool implemented this year is the “electronic bracelet.” This bracelet identifies each pilgrim and provides their official data. There is also a website providing information as required by pilgrims. This website covers all services and facilities provided for the ease and comfort of the pilgrims.
