Smart Saudi technologies to enhance the health of pilgrims during Hajj
A media tour of the exhibition accompanying the Health and Security Forum during the Hajj season, held in Jeddah, revealed a prominent presence of King Abdulaziz University. The university presented a range of health and technological projects and innovations reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's focus on employing artificial intelligence and digital technologies to enhance medical and psychological services, aiming to improve the health of pilgrims and provide them with a safe and stable environment throughout their Hajj rituals.
The development of medical care during Hajj seasons
Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed great importance on providing medical care for pilgrims since its founding. These efforts began with the establishment of field hospitals and mobile health centers near the holy sites to provide first aid. Over the decades, this system has evolved to include integrated medical cities and highly qualified personnel. Today, the world is witnessing a qualitative shift in this field, as the Kingdom moves from traditional care to proactive digital care, leveraging the technological revolution to ensure the safety of the millions of pilgrims who flock annually to Mecca and Medina.
Technology meets psychotherapy through "TherapyEscape"
Among the innovative projects showcased at the university's pavilion, the Therascape capsule stood out as a modern therapeutic solution combining artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies to enhance mental health and well-being. Dr. Lujain Saud Sharif, Associate Professor of Psychiatric Nursing at King Abdulaziz University, explained that the project represents an advanced convergence of modern technology and psychotherapeutic methods. The capsule integrates the three senses (hearing, sight, and smell) within a safe digital environment under the supervision of specialists, helping patients overcome psychological trauma and replace painful memories with positive experiences. She added that the use of virtual reality is no longer just a futuristic concept, but has become a promising therapeutic approach that contributes to improving quality of life.
Smart applications improve the health of pilgrims
In addition to providing psychological support, the university showcased the “Sign2Sense” project, which uses artificial intelligence to provide real-time translation of Saudi Sign Language, supporting the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and facilitating their communication with therapists. Researchers also presented the “Hajji” application, a smart system that utilizes AI technologies linked to medical sensors to monitor the physical condition of pilgrims, enabling rapid intervention when needed, which positively impacts the health and safety of the pilgrims . In a related context, Thamer Al-Harbi from the university’s Health Promotion Center explained that the center has surpassed 1.6 million beneficiaries of its awareness services.
Regional and international impact of Saudi innovations
The impact of these innovations extends beyond the local level, serving as a global model for managing mass gatherings. The Kingdom's success in integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things into healthcare during Hajj seasons offers valuable lessons for international health organizations and countries hosting mass gatherings. This development reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a regional and international leader in digital medicine and health crisis management, contributing to the export of this knowledge and technology to the world.
Supporting the goals of Vision 2030
King Abdulaziz University's participation, represented by the King Fahd Medical Research Center and the Health Promotion Center, in the third edition of the Health and Security in Hajj Forum, comes as an extension of its scientific and research role in supporting the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. During his visit to the university's pavilion, the Assistant Minister of Health for Health Services, Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdulaali, praised these initiatives that enhance integration between the academic and health sectors to provide more advanced and efficient services, ensuring that pilgrims perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind.
