Saudi Arabia Records Highest Single-Day Umrah Attendance with 500,000 Pilgrims

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced that Saudi Arabia has recorded its highest number of Umrah performers in a single day, with 500,000 pilgrims entering the Grand Mosque on Thursday.

The presidency has adopted state-of-the-art monitoring systems to improve operational efficiency and manage the flow of pilgrims. These include reader sensors at the main entrances of the Grand Mosque, which track the number of worshippers in real time.

Additionally, smart cameras have been installed to detect movement and pinpoint congestion areas with greater precision.

The dual system of sensors and AI-powered surveillance enables immediate crowd assessment, helping authorities optimize the distribution of pilgrims, particularly in high-density areas such as the Mataf (circumambulation area around the Kaaba) and Mas’a (the area between Safa and Marwah).

This technology plays a key role in enhancing visitor safety, ensuring a smooth flow of entry and exit, and facilitating rapid response during peak hours.

The new system witnessed the highest number of pilgrims recorded in a single day, reaching nearly half a million pilgrims.

Alongside these technological measures, Mecca’s security patrols remain vigilant in ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims, particularly during Ramadan, when visitor numbers peak. Coordinating with other security agencies, officers actively manage large crowds, assist the elderly, reunite lost children with their families, and provide guidance to those in need.

Meanwhile, Makkah security patrols are working around the clock to maintain order and safety at the Grand Mosque during the holy month. In coordination with other security agencies, officers manage large crowds, assist the elderly, ensure the well-being of children, and provide guidance to lost visitors.