Saudi Arabia is deploying artificial intelligence to optimize Hajj telecom networks during the upcoming pilgrimage season. According to a report by الشرق الأوسط, local operator Mobily has partnered with Ericsson to implement these advanced technologies. The initiative aims to manage the high volume of voice and data traffic in the holy sites.
Optimizing Hajj telecom networks with AI
The deployment of these solutions will help manage the massive influx of pilgrims. Specifically, the integration of automated systems allows the network to adjust to real-time demands. Consequently, this reduces coverage gaps and improves overall service reliability.
Network Capacity and Infrastructure Expansion
Mobily has doubled its 5G network capacity in the holy sites by adding new physical locations. These sites utilize Ericsson Radio System solutions, including Massive MIMO technology. In addition, the operator has activated new frequency bands to support more simultaneous users.
Alaa Malki, Chief Technology Officer at Mobily, stated that the company completed over 1,750 network expansions. These expansions cover 4G and 5G networks across Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites. Furthermore, the transport network capacity has been increased to 2.3 Terabits per second.
“Our partnership with Ericsson over two decades has contributed to developing the communications system during Hajj. This year, we focused on expanding the 5G network and developing AI-supported operations to meet the growing demand for digital services.”
Alaa Malki, Chief Technology Officer at Mobily
AI-Powered Monitoring and Generative Assistants
The collaboration includes a new monitoring tool that uses artificial intelligence to track user experiences. This tool simulates user journeys to detect technical issues like slow application loading or poor video quality. Meanwhile, a generative AI assistant helps technical teams analyze network data and customer complaints using simple language queries.
These automated algorithms optimize uplink interference and address coverage gaps without direct human intervention. As a result, the telecommunications infrastructure can self-heal in near real-time. This proactive approach ensures stable connectivity for millions of users simultaneously.
Long-Term Strategic Collaboration
The partnership between Mobily and Ericsson spans 20 years of supporting Hajj telecom networks. To support this infrastructure, Mobily has invested over 3.3 billion SAR ($905 million) in digital networks, submarine cables, and data centers. These investments ensure international connectivity for pilgrims.
Hakan Cervell, Head of Ericsson Saudi Arabia, stated that the Hajj environment requires high reliability. He noted that the two companies have worked to develop network capacity and operational intelligence. This collaboration supports Saudi Arabia’s goals in digital infrastructure development.
In conclusion, the integration of AI into Hajj telecom networks represents a significant step in managing large-scale event communications. By combining 5G expansion with automated monitoring, the network is prepared for peak traffic periods. This deployment aligns with the ongoing digital transformation in the Kingdom’s economy.
