Saudi Arabia Launches Tech-Driven Initiatives to Enhance Umrah Experience for 1447 AH

As the Umrah season for 1447 AH begins, Saudi Arabia has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at improving the spiritual journey for millions of pilgrims visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Leveraging digital innovation, safety technology, and expanded infrastructure, the country’s authorities are working to ensure a smooth, secure, and enriching pilgrimage experience.

In Madinah, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has launched a public awareness campaign around the new Rushd mobile app, designed to support pilgrims through a variety of digital services. The app features a multilingual 3D virtual reality guide for Hajj and Umrah rituals, an e-Quran, prayer times based on Umm Al-Qura, Qibla direction, and access to an Islamic e-library and the Sahih Al Istishhad website. The campaign is being promoted at prominent locations, including historic mosques and areas near the Prophet’s Mosque.

Meanwhile, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has introduced smart safety bracelets targeting vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and visually impaired worshippers. These bracelets store emergency contact information and allow quick access to assistance if needed—part of broader efforts to deliver round-the-clock services within the Two Holy Mosques.

In addition to technological advancements, infrastructure development continues in Madinah under the Pilgrim Experience Program. The Al Madinah Region Development Authority is implementing 16 key projects focused on crowd management, AI-powered services, and enhanced training. With 89 initiatives currently underway across 23 government agencies, the program has achieved a 95% completion rate. The projects span security, healthcare, transport, tourism, and emergency services.

To ensure accommodation standards remain high, the Ministry of Tourism has conducted inspections across Makkah, resulting in the closure of 25 facilities in July for violations including lack of licenses and safety issues. The ministry’s Our Guests Come First campaign encourages pilgrim feedback via the Unified Tourism Center (930) to raise service quality across the sector.

Service centers in the Prophet’s Mosque courtyards also played a vital role, assisting nearly 188,000 pilgrims in 2024. These centers offer multilingual guidance, mobility support, and child and elderly care, helping visitors navigate the site with greater ease and comfort.

Collectively, these efforts reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to making the Umrah experience safer, more accessible, and spiritually fulfilling, as the Kingdom continues to modernize its pilgrimage infrastructure while preserving its religious heritage.