Saudi Arabia Deploys AI, Drones, and 15,000 Cameras for Crowd Control During Hajj 2025
Makkah:In a major leap towards safer pilgrimage management, Saudi authorities have integrated **artificial intelligence (AI)**, **drones**, and over **15,000 surveillance cameras** to ensure the safety of the nearly **1.4 million pilgrims** attending **Hajj 2025**.
According to officials, the sophisticated monitoring system, installed across **Makkah and surrounding holy sites**, is designed to **predict crowd surges and potential bottlenecks** in real time. The system enables swift action during any **emergency or unexpected congestion**.
CEO of the General Transport Center, **Mohammed Nazir**, explained, “Our control room is equipped with **AI-powered cameras** that analyze crowd density and movement, especially in high-traffic areas.”
In addition to the surveillance infrastructure, more than **20,000 buses** have been deployed to transport pilgrims efficiently and minimize overcrowding.
The **central control room** in Makkah is the nerve center of this operation, featuring **multiple large screens and live maps** monitored by trained personnel around the clock. Their task: to prevent traffic jams, manage pedestrian flow, and avoid collisions between walkers and vehicles.
This high-tech system was introduced in the aftermath of the **2015 Hajj tragedy**, where a deadly stampede during **Ramy al-Jamarat** led to the deaths of over **2,300 pilgrims**. The current initiative reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to improving **pilgrim safety through innovation and technology**.
With Hajj being one of the world’s largest annual gatherings, these measures are expected to greatly enhance the overall **security, organization, and experience** of all worshippers.
