Saudi Arabia has implemented advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems to manage the massive crowds during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. These AI-driven platforms monitor crowd density and movement in real-time, enabling authorities to predict potential bottlenecks and proactively redirect pilgrim flows. The initiative aims to enhance safety and efficiency during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.

Key Facts

• Location: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
• Sector: Public Safety / Event Management
• AI Application: Real-time crowd monitoring and predictive analytics
• Technologies Used: Computer vision, AI algorithms, digital signage
• Technology Partner(s): Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), Ministry of Interior
• Timeline: Ongoing implementation during Hajj seasons
• Lead Stakeholders: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, SDAIA
• Project Name: Baseer Platform

Project Context

The Hajj pilgrimage attracts millions of Muslims to Mecca each year, creating a unique and highly complex urban mobility and safety challenge. Traditional crowd management strategies—largely based on manual coordination and static infrastructure—have proven insufficient in preventing congestion and risk in real time.

To address this, Saudi authorities turned to AI. The Baseer platform, developed by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and operated in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, aims to modernize crowd control through real-time monitoring, predictive modeling, and automated response mechanisms.

Implementation

The Baseer system uses a network of AI-enabled cameras and computer vision tools to monitor pilgrim movements at key locations in and around the Grand Mosque and other sacred sites. The AI algorithms analyze live footage to detect density thresholds, unusual movement patterns, and emerging risks.

When a potential bottleneck or overcrowded area is identified, Baseer can trigger immediate actions: updating digital signboards to redirect traffic, adjusting smart gates to reroute pilgrims, or alerting human operators to intervene manually. The system also helps with locating lost individuals and monitoring crowd counterflows to reduce confusion and risk during peak moments of the pilgrimage.

Impact

The integration of AI into crowd management during Hajj has made it possible to:

• Improve safety through faster response times to unexpected crowd buildups
• Streamline pilgrim movement and reduce congestion during high-traffic rituals
• Reduce reliance on manual monitoring and free up security forces for critical interventions

By enabling continuous real-time analysis and autonomous decision support, the system minimizes the risk of stampedes or panic situations in gatherings of over 2 million people.

Why It Matters

The scale and sensitivity of Hajj present one of the most demanding environments for urban and crowd management. The deployment of AI technologies demonstrates how smart infrastructure can transform how cities respond to real-time public safety challenges. It also serves as a global benchmark for how AI can support human coordination at scale, especially in events with high density, time pressure, and humanitarian stakes.

Sources

• Arab News: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2593261/saudi-arabia
• Saudi Gazette: https://www.saudigazette.com.sa/article/643621