Saudi authorities have expanded smart crowd-management and cooling measures around the Grand Mosque following a review of this year's Hajj (1447 AH / 2026) performance, aiming to ease congestion and reduce heat stress for worshippers.
The upgraded systems include live crowd-tracking with density indicators, smart guidance, and color-coded screens at entrances that direct worshippers toward less crowded areas. An advanced smart counting and monitoring system now operates around the Tawaf and Sa'i zones, tracking entries and exits in real time to spot congestion points and redirect movement.
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has intensified crowd-management operations using designated pathways and corridors, interactive 3D maps, QR-code "Where Are We" location cards, multilingual mobile teams, and Guest Care Centers to keep movement smooth.
Cooling and comfort upgrades
For Hajj 2026, authorities installed 400 high-efficiency mist fans in the Jamarat area, shaded 105,000 square meters of walkways, and expanded rest areas and pedestrian pathways to 66,000 square meters. Additional measures include air-conditioned elevators, larger daily volumes of bottled water, and technical teams on continuous duty to maintain cooling and ventilation systems.
Access to Makkah and the Grand Mosque during Hajj remains controlled through mandatory permits, enforced from 1 Dhu Al Qi'dah to 14 Dhu Al Hijjah. Residents and expatriates without permits are barred from entering Makkah in that window. Performing Hajj without the required permit or visa carries a fine of SAR 20,000, and expatriate violators may face deportation and a 10-year entry ban.
Crowd plans rely on scheduled movement slots for Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Jamarat. Pilgrims must follow assigned timings and routes, use the official Nusuk digital platform for permits and guidance, and carry the Nusuk Card, which links to smart sensors in Mina that regulate movement based on real-time crowd density.
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