Artificial intelligence in Hajj: Innovations by Jeddah University students
The exhibition accompanying the Health and Security in Hajj Forum witnessed exceptional participation and a notable contribution from Jeddah University, where female students showcased a range of innovative projects highlighting the importance of artificial intelligence in Hajj. A press tour observed how modern technologies, such as drones and big data analytics, were harnessed to serve pilgrims and facilitate the safe and easy performance of their rituals.
Developing technical services for pilgrims
Historically, services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj have undergone tremendous developments, from traditional crowd management and healthcare provision to the current digital age. In recent years, as part of its Vision 2030 goals, Saudi Arabia has focused on transforming the Hajj and Umrah system. Integrating emerging technologies is a strategic step towards transforming the holy sites into temporary smart cities capable of accommodating millions in a limited geographical area and within a record time, making student innovations a natural extension of this ambitious national direction.
Pioneering projects relying on artificial intelligence in Hajj
The University of Jeddah's pavilion showcased advanced technological projects developed by the university's students and researchers. These projects primarily relied on artificial intelligence and drone technologies to support crowd management and early emergency detection. Additionally, technological solutions were presented to improve multilingual communication between pilgrims and volunteer teams, thereby enhancing safety and services during the Hajj season.
The pavilion also featured smart systems for real-time monitoring and guidance and awareness services. In this context, the Drones and Data Academy presented advanced technological demonstrations, in addition to showcasing field robots that support operational and service activities in the holy sites.
Comprehensive health guidelines
On the health front, Dr. Iman Balbaid, a family medicine consultant at the Medical Services Department of Jeddah University, explained that the department provides comprehensive health and awareness services for pilgrims. These services begin with seasonal and required vaccinations before performing the rituals, in addition to interactive awareness clinics held prior to the Hajj season.
Dr. Balbaid explained that the clinics provide pilgrims with detailed guidance on how to use medications for chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, during Hajj. They also focus on raising awareness about heat exhaustion and sunstroke, and how to prevent them, emphasizing the importance of balancing the pilgrim's health with their religious observances. She noted that "the wise pilgrim is the one who balances their health with their worship.".
“Basira” and “Basir” rapid intervention system
Among the most prominent participating technological projects, student Jude Al-Bashri from the Computer and Network Engineering Department presented her project, “Basira.” This is an intelligent system that utilizes drones and artificial intelligence technologies to detect emergencies during Hajj and Umrah in real time. She explained that the idea stemmed from the need to enhance response speed in crowded environments. The system monitors locations from above, analyzes scenes using computer vision, and then sends immediate alerts supported by geolocation and live streaming to assist relevant authorities.
The “Baseera” project team includes students: Jude Al-Bashri, Arwa Bazars, Tala Al-Mashayqah, Lina Nour El-Din, Saja Al-Sawat, and Raghad Al-Shehri, supervised by Dr. Rasha Atwa. In another project titled “Baseer,” student Renad Al-Majrashi and her team presented a smart system for preventing crowd stampedes. This system relies on monitoring gatherings via traditional surveillance cameras and analyzing risk indicators before they escalate. She explained that the system predicts potential hazards, giving security teams time to intervene early, aiming for “early warning, faster intervention, and protected lives.” Raghad Al-Thaqafi, Mayar Hanif, Abrar Habibullah, and Jana Al-Harbi are participating in this project, supervised by Sahar Fawzi.
The local and international impact of Saudi innovations
The participation of Jeddah University in this forum reflects a strategic commitment to supporting innovation. The impact of these projects extends beyond the local level in facilitating Hajj management; it also presents a regional and international model for managing large crowds and massive gatherings. The Kingdom's success in employing these advanced technologies solidifies its global standing as a leading nation in harnessing technology for the benefit of humanity and underscores the ability of young Saudi talent to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for all visitors to the Two Holy Mosques.
