Saudi Arabia Deploys Drones and AI to Curb Unauthorized Hajj Attempts

Makkah – In a move to strengthen security and control during the Hajj season, Saudi authorities have intensified the use of drone technology to monitor and prevent unauthorized pilgrims from entering the holy city of Makkah. The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to ensure only those with valid permits are allowed to perform Hajj.

According to Saudi media reports, drones are being used daily to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to enter Makkah without proper Hajj permits. These operations have already led to the arrest of hundreds of violators.

In a recent incident, four Indonesian nationals were detained for allegedly promoting fake Hajj permit campaigns. Further investigations led authorities to arrest 14 additional individuals from the same location, none of whom possessed valid Hajj permits.

In parallel, Saudi Arabia’s Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has introduced advanced technologies to enhance the Hajj experience for legal pilgrims. At Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, 20 e-gates have been installed to streamline immigration procedures.

Additionally, over 30 passport reader devices have been set up to reduce delays and improve the overall immigration process. SDAIA has also deployed on-site technical teams to handle any potential system failures or issues promptly, ensuring uninterrupted service for arriving pilgrims.