New Digital Passports & AI Crowd Control Set to Revolutionize Pilgrimage Comfort

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is driving an unprecedented effort for the 2026 Hajj season (1447 AH), initiating major preparations nine months in advance. The early coordination, involving over 60 countries and more than 50 high-level meetings, is laying the groundwork for a technological and logistical leap aimed at making the pilgrimage safer, smoother, and more comfortable than ever before.

This proactive approach signals the start of what is internally being termed 'Smart Hajj 2.0,' with new, hypothetical initiatives for 2026 designed to directly address the major challenges of heat, overcrowding, and logistics experienced in 2025:

What’s New for Hajj 2026 

1. AI-Powered 'Smart Pilgrim Passports': While 2025 focused on the basic digital registration via the Nusuk platform, 2026 is expected to see the introduction of a more integrated Smart Pilgrim Passport. This wearable technology (possibly a wristband or badge, an upgrade from the 2025 heat safety kits) will integrate real-time GPS tracking, a digital health profile, and payment capabilities. Critically, it will interface with AI-powered crowd management systems (a key technological advancement expected in Hajj 2026) to manage pilgrim flow at the Jamarat and Kaaba, proactively preventing the severe overcrowding issues witnessed in 2025.
2. Dedicated 'Saudi Buses' Automation: The launch of the 'Saudi Buses' initiative is being finalized through coordination with 60+ countries. In 2026, the entire transportation process—from airport transfer via the 'Saudi Buses' to the movement between the holy sites—will be fully automated through the Nusuk Masar platform. This aims to eliminate delays and chaos, a notable pain point in the 2025 logistics.
3. Expanded Digital Accommodation Capacity: Following the new e-service launched by the Ministry of Tourism for 2026, licensed operators will now be able to request and secure additional bed capacity in Mecca and Medina months in advance. This is a direct response to the accommodation crunch felt by many pilgrims in 2025 and ensures pilgrims arriving via the 16 approved Nusuk Masar companies have secured, high-quality lodging.
4. First-Time Pilgrim Priority (Codified System): The 2025 Hajj saw new rules prioritizing first-time pilgrims. For 2026, this priority system is expected to be codified and fully integrated into the Nusuk application process for all 75 countries with automated service guides, ensuring fairer access for those who have never performed Hajj.
5. Enhanced Heat-Resilient Tents: Building on the heat mitigation efforts of 2025, the 2026 season will likely see standardized, mandatory upgrades to air-cooling technology and insulation in all Mina and Arafat tents, mandated for the 24 service companies qualified to host international pilgrims.

Advanced Preparations Underway

To date, the Ministry has already:

• Coordinated with representatives from over 60 countries through their Hajj affairs offices.
• Approved 16 companies serving pilgrims from abroad via the Nusuk Masar platform.
• Finalized the automation of service guides for 75 countries and activated 189 hospitality centers.
• Qualified 24 companies providing services to foreign pilgrims and licensed over 11 service companies for domestic pilgrims.
• Approved the implementation of 25 innovative initiatives and launched a database to register volunteers for the next season, ensuring preparedness across the entire ecosystem.

The comprehensive plan aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, transforming the Hajj from a logistical challenge into a seamless, tech-enabled spiritual experience.