Artificial intelligence serving pilgrims: A technological advancement in the Two Holy Mosques
The religious facilities at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina are undergoing an unprecedented and rapid technological transformation. Artificial intelligence has become a tangible reality in serving pilgrims, facilitating the performance of rituals with ease and tranquility. This development is evident in the deployment of smart robots and modern digital technologies to manage and operate religious and enrichment services. This strategic direction reflects the significant improvement in the level of services provided to pilgrims from around the world, ensuring them a seamless and advanced spiritual experience that meets the demands of the modern age.
The historical development journey of serving the guests of God
Throughout Islamic history, serving pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques has been an honor passed down through generations. Early efforts began with providing water and food in simple, traditional ways. With the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mecca and Medina witnessed massive urban expansions and continuous infrastructure development. Today, we are moving from physical expansion to technological expansion, integrating modern technology to facilitate crowd management and guidance. The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques is developing an integrated operational system that combines religious guidance with smart technologies. This includes activating guidance and awareness programs, answering inquiries, providing simultaneous translation, and broadcasting digitally in multiple languages.
The role of robots and artificial intelligence in serving pilgrims
One of the most prominent features of this digital transformation is the use of smart robots within the Two Holy Mosques to provide religious and spatial guidance. These robots utilize interactive, multilingual technologies, facilitating rapid and efficient access to religious information and services. This development is particularly important given the high population density during Hajj and Umrah seasons. Artificial intelligence applications have also contributed to enhancing the religious system by developing digital tools to improve the management of educational content, expand access to scholarly and guidance messages, and support simultaneous translation and digital broadcasting of lessons and sermons, thus ensuring that the message of the Two Holy Mosques reaches Muslims worldwide.
Smart interactive screens and a cloud-based fatwa system
This technological system also includes the operation of smart interactive screens to broadcast awareness messages and real-time religious content, and the activation of translation devices within programs in their respective languages, enabling non-Arabic speaking visitors to easily access religious and guidance content. In the area of issuing fatwas, the Presidency has activated a cloud-based communication system to answer inquiries. This system directs questions to religious scholars and sheikhs via modern digital platforms, thereby increasing response efficiency and reducing congestion at traditional fatwa centers, especially during peak times.
The local and international impact of digital transformation in the Two Holy Mosques
This technological transformation is accompanied by a significant expansion in digital and media content, through the production and broadcasting of lessons and lectures across multiple online platforms, and the development of smart applications that provide round-the-clock access to enriching content and religious programs. The anticipated impact of this development extends beyond local boundaries, leaving a clear regional and international mark. Locally, it contributes to highly efficient crowd management and risk reduction, while internationally, it reflects a positive image of the Kingdom's ability to organize the largest human gatherings using cutting-edge technologies. Experts believe that integrating robotics and artificial intelligence into the religious system represents a leading global model, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 for digital transformation and enriching the experience of pilgrims.
Two beacons of knowledge and guidance in the digital age
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to develop its religious and technological infrastructure as part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing the quality of services and solidifying the global standing of the Two Holy Mosques as beacons of knowledge, guidance, and moderation, and as cultural centers that combine tradition and modern technology in service to Islam and Muslims. This innovative integration of spirituality and technology ensures the continued provision of the highest quality services for future generations.
