The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced smart sensor systems in Mina during the 1447 AH Hajj season, directly linked to the Nusuk card to regulate pilgrim movement through real-time data. The Nusuk card smart sensors deployment marks the first technological integration of this kind aimed at improving crowd management and streamlining movement between holy sites.
The Nusuk card, available in both digital and paper formats, serves as a central organizational tool enabling identity verification and access to the holy sites and the Grand Mosque. By connecting the card to the unified permit platform, the ministry has reduced response times and enhanced service delivery across pilgrimage operations.
Real-Time Data and Crowd Management
On the ground, staff members use the Nusuk card smart sensors system to accurately identify pilgrim data, reducing the risk of lost individuals and ensuring regulated access to camps and transportation networks. The real-time data collection allows on-site decision-makers to access accurate analytics during the hajj season, enabling faster responses to crowding situations.
The system supports seamless movement between locations by providing staff with precise pilgrim information. This approach decreases confusion at entry points and helps maintain organized flows across sacred sites and the Prophet’s Mosque, including Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah.
Pre-Arrival Card Distribution and Mandatory Requirements
To enable early preparation and controlled access, the ministry has facilitated distribution of Nusuk cards in pilgrims’ countries of origin prior to their arrival in the Kingdom. Carrying and activating the card is now mandatory for entry into Makkah, the holy sites, and the Prophet’s Mosque.
The card serves multiple functions throughout the pilgrimage journey. It enables rapid identity verification procedures, organizes movement between locations, and integrates coordination among related agencies. The digital and paper versions both provide access to services through electronic channels, supporting expanded digital solutions and faster service delivery.
Previous Season Success and Expansion
The Nusuk card smart sensors system builds on the success of the 1446 AH Hajj season, which saw distribution of over 1.6 million cards to pilgrims and 90,000 cards to staff members. That scale of deployment provided operational experience and validated the card’s role in organizing pilgrimage logistics.
The ministry emphasizes that carrying and activating the Nusuk card represents a requirement for all pilgrims accessing sacred sites. The technology reflects ongoing efforts to develop organizational tools and digital services supporting the hajj system, with emphasis on pilgrim safety and service quality throughout the season.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
