In a bold stride towards merging tradition with cutting-edge innovation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has rolled out its most expansive Hajj operational plan to date, relying heavily on artificial intelligence and smart technologies to improve services and spiritual engagement for millions of pilgrims expected in 2025.
The initiative, spearheaded by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, places a strong emphasis on meeting pilgrims’ needs through technological advancement and inclusive communication. The comprehensive strategy was unveiled as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to modernize key religious experiences without compromising on Islamic values.
At the heart of this year’s approach is the introduction of an advanced multilingual robot named Manarah 2, developed to assist pilgrims in real time. The AI-driven robot is equipped to provide directions, ritual guidance, and religious information across more than 20 languages, including English, Hausa, Urdu, and Malay. This ensures that worshippers from different corners of the globe can access support without language barriers.
To further enhance accessibility, the Kingdom has installed interactive smart screens throughout key holy sites. These digital stations are designed to offer instant updates on crowd movement, prayer times, and essential religious content—also in over 20 languages—allowing pilgrims to make informed decisions on the go and navigate the sacred journey with ease.
In a notable development aimed at enriching spiritual connection, a new Digital Quran Platform has been launched, providing worldwide access to Qur’anic recitation and interpretation tools. Complementing this is the Surat Al-Fatiha App, which offers in-depth translations and reflections on the first chapter of the Quran in multiple languages, allowing worshippers to engage more deeply with the core messages of Islam.
Speaking on the initiative, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al Sudais, who heads religious affairs at the Two Holy Mosques, said the program is rooted in compassion and prophetic values. According to him, the infusion of technology aims not only to simplify rituals and manage the vast crowds efficiently, but also to cultivate a serene and spiritually fulfilling environment for all participants.
Also embedded in the plan are culturally aware and educational programs tailored to the diverse backgrounds of the international pilgrims. These include digital tutorials, AI-guided learning modules, and multilingual sermons to ensure inclusivity in religious teachings and logistical support.
This ambitious move reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to positioning itself at the forefront of religious innovation, blending centuries-old Islamic traditions with modern-day technology. With AI tools now managing crowd flows and mobile applications delivering customized spiritual content, officials say the 2025 Hajj is set to become a benchmark in safety, accessibility, and religious enrichment for the global Muslim community.
