Riyadh Welcomes Millions of Pilgrims for Annual Hajj Ritual
Every year during Dul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, millions of Muslims from around the globe flock to Saudi Arabia to participate in the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj, one of the largest annual gatherings worldwide.
Despite the massive influx of pilgrims posing challenges to the infrastructure and social services of Makkah and Madinah, the Kingdom was well-prepared to handle this year’s Hajj.
Robotic Social Workers Enhance the Pilgrimage Experience
Saudi Arabia leverages its technological capabilities by deploying robotic social workers to make the Hajj experience unforgettable for pilgrims.
Last year, an estimated 1,845,045 pilgrims, with 90 percent coming from outside the country, participated in Hajj, as reported by the Saudi General Authority for Statistics.
Integration of Technology in Hajj Continues to Grow
The use of technology during Hajj has been increasing, especially in the post-COVID-19 era, with Saudi Arabia leading the way in innovation.
Advanced technologies, including AI-enabled robots, have been introduced to assist pilgrims in performing religious rituals and navigating the pilgrimage sites.
AI and Technology Enhancements for Pilgrim Services
Saudi Arabia has integrated AI and technology in various aspects of Hajj, from self-flying aerial taxis to AI-powered systems for crowd control and resource distribution.
Smart robots, drones, and virtual assistants are used to monitor and assist pilgrims, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience during the pilgrimage.
The Future of Hajj: Balancing AI and Human Interaction
While AI offers efficiency and data management benefits, human social workers provide essential emotional support and empathy to pilgrims.
A hybrid approach, combining AI for routine tasks and human workers for complex interactions, could be the key to enhancing the quality of services during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
As technology continues to advance, Saudi Arabia aims to improve the overall pilgrimage experience while preserving the cultural and religious significance of Hajj.