SDAIA Hajj Crowd AI Logistics: 2026 Analysis Guide

Hajj 2026 is being managed with an expanded layer of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure aimed at safer movement and smoother operations. Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is running an integrated ecosystem of AI-powered platforms and digital services that follows pilgrims across the journey, from departure in home countries to arrival in Saudi Arabia and exit after completion. SDAIA says the systems are designed to improve crowd flow, support emergency response, enhance transportation logistics, and provide multilingual assistance during one of the world’s largest annual human gatherings. Key focus areas include the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

The operational scale described by SDAIA and related reporting shows why real-time analytics matters. One report says SDAIA confirmed more than 1.5 million international pilgrims had arrived by late May 2026, with the figure set to climb toward two million as peak ritual days approached. Another source states that 1,707,301 pilgrims performed Hajj this year, including more than 1.5 million from outside the Kingdom. This volume increases pressure on transport, crowd movement, identity verification, health response, and permit management. In this context, SDAIA’s approach to Hajj crowd AI logistics is built around integrated platforms that help agencies shift from reactive control to more predictive decision-making.

Baseer and Sawaher: Real-Time Vision, Faster Decisions

SDAIA highlights two core platforms developed in partnership with the Ministry of Interior: Baseer and Sawaher. According to SDAIA, these platforms use computer vision, thermal imaging, and AI-driven analytics to monitor crowd density and movement patterns in real time. The systems analyze live video feeds and surveillance data to identify congestion points, predict crowd surges, and support faster decision-making by authorities. SPA reporting adds that the AI-driven “Baseer” platform used computer vision and large language models to analyze crowd flows at the entrances of the Two Holy Mosques, giving field commanders rapid analytical data to prevent congestion and help secure pilgrim safety.

Operational support also extends beyond cameras and dashboards into technical coverage in the field. SPA reports that SDAIA maintained comprehensive technical support across 75 locations in the holy sites and 14 screening and security control centers. This included managing secure infrastructure rooms, equipping workstations under approved cybersecurity standards, conducting preventative maintenance, and training field personnel to ensure continuity at ports and checkpoints. Crowd management was “anchored” by the Sawaher platform, which SPA says utilized 16 artificial intelligence algorithms and 31 data dashboards to process real-time feeds from over 5,000 cameras across 80 locations. These details show how analytics, security standards, and on-the-ground support connect into one operating model.

Digital processing is also being pushed earlier in the journey to reduce bottlenecks at arrival points. One source describes an initiative now in its eighth year that enables many pilgrims to complete procedures before departure from their home countries, reducing processing pressure after arrival in Saudi Arabia. The same report says SDAIA supported the initiative through technical services in 10 countries and 17 international ports, including digital systems designed to verify documents, visas, and biometric data. With SDAIA also supporting operations at air, land, and sea ports in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, the aim is continuity of services across each chokepoint where pilgrims arrive, transit, and depart.

How does SDAIA use AI to manage crowd movement during Hajj 2026?

SDAIA says Baseer and Sawaher use computer vision, thermal imaging, and AI-driven analytics to monitor crowd density and movement in real time. The systems analyze live feeds to identify congestion points, predict surges, and support faster decisions.

What does the Baseer platform do at the Two Holy Mosques?

SPA reports that Baseer used computer vision and large language models to analyze crowd flows at the entrances of the Two Holy Mosques. It provided rapid analytical data to field commanders to prevent congestion and help secure pilgrim safety.

What scale of technical support did SDAIA provide during the season?

SPA states SDAIA maintained technical support across 75 locations in the holy sites and 14 screening and security control centers. It also covered secure infrastructure rooms, approved cybersecurity standards, preventative maintenance, and training.

How large was the Hajj flow described in the sources for 2026?

One source reports that 1,707,301 pilgrims performed Hajj this year, including more than 1.5 million from outside the Kingdom. Another report says SDAIA confirmed more than 1.5 million international pilgrims had arrived by late May 2026, with the figure set to climb toward two million as peak days approached.

What do the sources say about SDAIA’s Hajj crowd AI logistics beyond the holy sites?

A report says SDAIA’s role extends to air, land, and sea ports, supporting the Ministry of Interior and other agencies in processing pilgrims and maintaining data flows. It also says SDAIA supported pre-departure procedures through technical services in 10 countries and 17 international ports.