Al Rawda Al Sharifa, one of Islam’s holiest sites located in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, witnessed an astounding 13 million visitors in 2024. This remarkable surge reflects the site’s profound spiritual significance and Saudi Arabia’s growing success in accommodating millions of pilgrims and worshippers through enhanced services and management systems.
Officials have increasingly relied on sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to allow for smoother entry procedures and control huge crowds in an efficient manner. Intelligent systems track visitor movement, streamline scheduling, and maintain a tranquil and orderly experience for pilgrims, improving safety and reducing wait times at the holy site.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah attributed the enhanced visitor experience to AI management, adding that the innovations facilitated more accurate forecasting of peak periods, intelligent space allocation, and increased speeds at entry points. These were aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 targets for streamlining pilgrimage services while maintaining the sanctity and spirituality of the holy places.
With figures poised to increase even higher in subsequent years, Saudi authorities continue to pour money into technology and infrastructure improvements across Al Rawda Al Sharifa. Pilgrims have commended the simplicity and tranquility of their pilgrimages, noting the Kingdom’s move to provide an uninterrupted, soul-enriching experience for millions of pilgrims from across the world.
