Saudi Arabia Unveils Tech-Driven Umrah Enhancements for 1447 AH

As the 1447 AH Umrah season officially commences, Saudi authorities have launched an extensive array of initiatives, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology, stringent safety protocols, and significant infrastructure enhancements to elevate the pilgrimage experience in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. These comprehensive efforts underscore the Kingdom's unwavering dedication to providing millions of pilgrims with a secure, comfortable, and deeply spiritual journey.

Digital Gateway to Spirituality: The ‘Rushd’ App

Leading the digital transformation is the introduction of the "Rushd" app, championed by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in Madinah. Launched concurrently with the start of the Umrah season, this innovative application is designed to be a pilgrim's indispensable digital companion. It offers a rich suite of services, including a full electronic Quran, precise prayer times calibrated to Umm Al-Qura, an accurate Qibla direction finder, and a groundbreaking multilingual 3D virtual reality guide dedicated to Hajj and Umrah education. Furthermore, the app provides access to an extensive Islamic e-library and the esteemed Sahih Al Istishhad website, offering authoritative religious resources.

The awareness campaign for the "Rushd" app is strategically deployed across key locations in Madinah, including historic mosques and areas surrounding the revered Prophet’s Mosque, ensuring pilgrims are fully equipped to leverage this technology for an enriched spiritual journey.

Enhanced Safety with Smart Bracelets

In a significant stride towards pilgrim safety, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has rolled out smart safety bracelets. These technologically advanced wristbands are specifically designed for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and visually impaired visitors. Each bracelet stores vital emergency contact information, facilitating swift assistance and offering peace of mind to worshippers and their families. This initiative complements the ongoing provision of 24/7 integrated services, aligning directly with the directives of Saudi leadership to ensure the utmost safety and comfort for all visitors within the Grand Mosque.

Madinah's Ambitious Infrastructure and Service Expansion

The Al Madinah Region Development Authority is at the forefront of a monumental transformation, having implemented 16 key initiatives in 2024 as part of the overarching Pilgrim Experience Program. This program is a multi-faceted endeavor focusing on critical areas such as infrastructure upgrades, comprehensive staff training, advanced crowd management techniques, and the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. These concerted efforts are meticulously designed to streamline pilgrimages and significantly enhance the quality of services available at the Prophet’s Mosque and its surrounding historical sites.

The broader Pilgrim Experience Program is a testament to national collaboration, with a staggering 89 initiatives currently underway across 23 government entities. These initiatives span crucial sectors including security, transport, healthcare, tourism, and emergency response. The program is demonstrating remarkable progress, boasting an impressive 95% completion rate on its diverse projects, indicating a rapid and effective implementation phase.

Upholding Standards: Ministry of Tourism Crackdown

In a resolute move to maintain the highest standards of hospitality and service, the Ministry of Tourism conducted extensive inspections in Makkah during July 2025. These inspections led to the closure of 25 hospitality facilities found to be in violation of regulations. Common infractions included operating without proper licenses, inadequate maintenance, and critical safety concerns. This decisive crackdown is an integral part of a broader, continuous effort to ensure that all tourism services provided to pilgrims adhere to stringent compliance regulations and consistently meet the high expectations of visitors.

The Ministry's ongoing campaign, 'Our Guests Come First,' actively encourages pilgrims to provide valuable feedback through the Unified Tourism Center (930). This feedback mechanism is vital for continuous improvement in service quality and overall visitor satisfaction.

Dedicated Pilgrim Support in Madinah

Further enhancing the pilgrim experience, two dedicated service centers within the courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah have provided invaluable assistance to nearly 188,000 visitors in 2024. These centers offer a wide range of essential services, including multilingual guidance, provision of mobility aids for those requiring assistance, distribution of informative materials, and the issuance of specialized wristbands for children and elderly visitors. These efforts significantly aid pilgrims in navigating the mosque and accessing necessary support, contributing to a more comfortable and serene worship environment. These service centers are a key component of the General Authority’s broader mission to enhance both the environmental and human aspects of service delivery within the sacred precincts of the Prophet's Mosque.

Through this strategic amalgamation of cutting-edge digital innovation, enhanced safety measures, rigorous regulatory enforcement, and comprehensive infrastructure improvements, Saudi Arabia is undeniably elevating the Umrah experience. These initiatives powerfully demonstrate the Kingdom's profound commitment to serving millions of worshippers with unparalleled care, efficiency, and hospitality in the revered holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, embodying the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.