Utilizing information technology to address challenges in Hajj and Umrah: A narrative review

The management of crowds during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages is a multifaceted challenge due to the massive influx of pilgrims to sacred sites in Makkah and Madinah, Saudi Arabia. With millions of pilgrims visiting these sacred sites, Saudi Arabia has adopted a variety of smart solutions to ensure safety, efficiency, and comfort. Radiofrequency identification is central to these efforts, enabling real-time tracking and access to personal data for security and service delivery. The integration of Internet of Things devices and the Global Positioning System allows for continuous monitoring, emergency response, and smooth navigation. Surveillance systems enhanced with computer vision and convolutional neural networks enable real-time video analysis, early congestion detection, and facial recognition. Big data analytics processes multisource data to optimize crowd flow and transportation. Artificial intelligence–driven smartphone applications and social media platforms support communication and multilingual engagement. Wearable technologies like Hajj Bracelets track health status and trigger emergency alerts. Collectively, these innovations significantly improve crowd control, safety, and the overall pilgrimage experience. Furthermore, technologies have broader implications for global crowd management in other large-scale events. The successful application of AI, the Internet of Things, and real-time systems marks a paradigm shift in managing large gatherings, aligning with the broader vision of smart and secure public event planning.