There are several stories relating specifically to technology and hajj that are worth tracking:
Riazat Butt, AP, No kids, excess heat and payment plans. What to know about Hajj 2025, 4 June 2025
“Although the desert kingdom spends billions of dollars on crowd control and cooling, the sheer number of pilgrims and climatic conditions make it difficult to guarantee people’s safety.” Detailed article.
Also see Riazat Butt, Independent, The 45-page guide to staying safe at the Hajj this year, 5 Jun 2025
Gulam Jeelani, Mint, Hajj 2025: How Saudi Arabia harnesses AI to transform pilgrim experience in 35 languages, 4 Jun 2025
“Authorities in Saudi Arabia have placed cutting-edge AI translation tools at the core of a pilgrimage built on clarity, access, and spiritual depth to assist the pilgrims during what is often referred to as world’s largest gathering of people, according to the General Authority for the Care of two Holy Mosques – Kaaba in Mecca and Prophet Mohammed’s Mosque in Medina.“
Drones, AI, tracking apps, and social media are integrated into hajj …
— Gary R. Bunt (@garyrbunt.bsky.social) 3 June 2025 at 19:35
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Saudi officials say they have stopped more than 269,000 Muslims without permits for the Hajj pilgrimage from entering Mecca.
— The Associated Press (@apnews.com) 2 June 2025 at 01:00
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Hajj begins on June 4. Here is a 3D tour that walks you through all the key steps of the annual Muslim pilgrimage.
— aljazeera.com (@aljazeera.com) 3 June 2025 at 07:00
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“Pilgrims are now required to carry health ID cards and download the official “Nusuk” app to access updates, navigation and emergency assistance.”
— Gary R. Bunt (@garyrbunt.bsky.social) 3 June 2025 at 19:32
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