Smart Saudi solutions to enhance the health of pilgrims during Hajj
In a move reflecting rapid technological advancements, a tour by Al-Youm newspaper of the exhibition accompanying the "Health and Security in Hajj Forum" in Jeddah revealed a notable presence from King Abdulaziz University. The university presented a range of health and technological projects and innovations that embody the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to employing artificial intelligence and digital technologies to enhance the health of pilgrims and improve the medical and psychological services provided to them.
Medical care has evolved to enhance the health of pilgrims
Historically, the healthcare system during the Hajj season has undergone radical transformations. In past decades, efforts focused on providing field clinics and mobile hospitals to handle emergencies and infectious diseases. With the increasing number of pilgrims annually, the Saudi leadership recognized the importance of digital transformation. Today, we are witnessing a qualitative leap in the integration of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence into the healthcare infrastructure, making the Kingdom a global role model in mass medicine and crowd management, which positively impacts the health and safety of the pilgrims.
The intersection of technology and psychotherapy: The “Therapy Escape” capsule
Among the innovative projects showcased at the university's pavilion, the "Therascape Capsule" project 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 secure digital environment to help patients overcome psychological trauma and replace painful memories with positive experiences.
Health initiatives and smart applications to serve pilgrims
In another aspect of the event, Thamer Al-Harbi from the university's Health Promotion Center explained that the center has surpassed 1.6 million beneficiaries of its health and awareness services and initiatives. The university also showcased the "Sign2Sense" project, which uses artificial intelligence to provide real-time translation of Saudi Sign Language, aiming to support mental health services for the deaf and hard of hearing. Additionally, the "Hajji" application was highlighted; it is a smart system that utilizes artificial intelligence technologies linked to medical sensors to monitor the health of pilgrims and intervene quickly when needed.
The regional and international impact of Saudi innovations in crowd management
The impact of these innovations extends far beyond the local level, reaching significant regional and international levels. Through the development of systems like “Hajji” and “Therascape,” the Kingdom is offering the world new health protocols for safely managing large gatherings. These smart solutions reduce the spread of epidemics and ensure a real-time medical response, thus bolstering international confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ability to efficiently organize the largest annual human gathering. Furthermore, this research, spearheaded by the King Fahd Medical Research Center, opens up broad avenues for collaboration with the World Health Organization and global research institutions.
The university's pavilion was visited by the Assistant Minister of Health for Health Services, Dr. Mohammed Al-Abdulaali, who was briefed on the university's most prominent research and technological initiatives and projects. This participation reflects the university's ongoing scientific and research role in supporting the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and enhancing integration between the academic, health, and technological sectors, thereby contributing to the provision of more advanced and efficient services for visitors to the Grand Mosque.
