Umrah Entry Procedures Eased By SDAIA

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has prepped the technical infrastructure to make Umrah entry procedures easier for pilgrims.

The development takes place following the conclusion of the 2024 Hajj season and in time for the new Umrah season.

With the improvement of Umrah entry procedures, SDAIA hopes to create a smooth and hassle-free experience for pilgrims arriving in the country.

The agency’s initiative is in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Interior and other government agencies across all entry points of the kingdom.

It is part of a broader objective to use data and AI to improve services at Saudi Arabia’s Two Holy Mosques, Al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, also known as “The Sacred Mosque” located in Mecca, and the Al-Masjid an-Nabawī, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, located in Medina.

These include land, air, and sea entry points, through which Umrah pilgrims will enter Saudi Arabia.

Technical and logistical support

In particular, SDAIA representatives are stationed at the entry points of Mecca, Medina, Al-Jouf, the Eastern Region, Najran, Jeddah Islamic Port, and the Northern Borders.

SDAIA experts have installed communication circuits at these entry points.

The data and AI agency also provides 24/7 technical and logistical support; manages the traveler system; performs preventive maintenance for data rooms, workstations, and network devices; as well as assists in the swift transfer of Umrah pilgrims’ information during entry.

Apart from these forms of support, SDAIA has also made available biometric capture and registration stations at entry points.

Mobile kits function as biometric registration devices with backup systems to ensure seamless and uninterrupted operations at entry points.

These, along with the enhanced Umrah entry procedures, will be used for the Umrah season throughout the Islamic year.

Earlier in June 2024, the SDAIA developed high-profile technical systems that were used at the Makkah Route Initiative Terminal at Ivory Coast’s Abidjan Airport.

The said systems helped ease the travel procedures for people traveling from Ivory Coast to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

These included registration systems and installing biometric registration devices on luggage.

Multiple benefits for pilgrims

In a nutshell, the SDAIA is helping pilgrims have a smoother and worry-free experience in several ways:

1. Efficient Travel Planning: SDAIA uses data and AI to help pilgrims plan their journeys more effectively, ensuring they have optimal travel routes and schedules.
2. Crowd Management: Authorities are able to monitor and manage crowd movements, reducing congestion and making the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable.
3. Personalized Assistance: Pilgrims receive personalized guidance and support through AI-powered applications, helping them navigate the pilgrimage sites and perform rituals correctly.
4. Health Services: AI and data analysis help provide better healthcare services, from quick medical assistance to predicting and preventing potential health issues.
5. Improved Security: Enhanced surveillance and security systems ensure the safety of pilgrims, quickly identifying and responding to any threats or emergencies.

Overall, SDAIA’s innovations make the pilgrimage experience smoother, safer, and more efficient for pilgrims.

The new Umrah season

The new Umrah season coincides with the beginning of the new Islamic year, on Muharram 1.

Saudi authorities started issuing Umrah visas on June 20th, Thursday.

Umrah pilgrims can start to arrive in Saudi Arabia beginning July 19th, experiencing the enhanced Umrah entry procedures made possible by SDAIA.

In April 2024, the SDAIA integrated services from various Saudi government sectors into the “Tawakkalna” application, which provides services such as issuing Umrah permits, releasing weather updates, providing Qibla or directions to the Kaaba in the Sacred Mosque, as well as prayer times.

The Tawakkalna application is available in seven languages and is available for download in 77 countries.

SDAIA’s “Basheer” platform also provides technological products using national algorithms for the purpose of crowd organization, movement flow management, and data analytics dashboards for real-time analysis.