Saudi Arabia has started using drone surveillance in Makkah to stop people from performing Hajj without proper permission. These high-tech drones are flying over the city, keeping an eye out for anyone who does not have a valid Hajj permit. Thanks to this system, security teams are able to spot and arrest violators every day. In one recent case, four people from Indonesia were caught for promoting fake Hajj permits. Later, 14 more people were arrested in connection with the same case.
At the same time, Saudi authorities are working to make the experience better for pilgrims who do have valid permits. In Medina, at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, a new system using artificial intelligence (AI) has been put in place. This includes 20 smart e-gates and more than 30 passport scanners, which help speed up the arrival process. Pilgrims can now pass through immigration checks much faster, which reduces waiting time and makes their entry smoother.
These steps show that Saudi Arabia is taking a balanced approach to managing the Hajj season. On one side, they are being strict to stop people from entering without the proper documents. On the other side, they are using modern technology to welcome genuine pilgrims in a better, more efficient way. The goal is to ensure that everyone has a safe, organized, and respectful experience during this important religious journey.
