SDAIA Umrah services are operating around the clock this Ramadan, as the Saudi Data and AI Authority deploys data and artificial intelligence technologies across the Kingdom’s air, land, and sea ports to facilitate pilgrims’ journeys from arrival to departure.
The authority collaborates with multiple government entities to deliver 24/7 technical support. This effort aligns with the Saudi leadership’s commitment to serving visitors of the two holy mosques.
Algorithms Developed to Improve Mosque Services
SDAIA, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and the Special Forces for Hajj and Umrah Security, developed algorithms to improve service efficiency at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque. These algorithms enhance safety and help organize the movement of worshippers.
The authority’s technical teams operate continuously at the Kingdom’s entry points. They monitor system and network readiness, detect malfunctions, and address them immediately using advanced technologies.
SDAIA Umrah Services Extended to Major Airports
SDAIA provides technical support at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, including the Hajj and Umrah terminal complex, Terminal 1, and the North Terminal. This support streamlines security procedures and facilitates pilgrims’ entry during Ramadan, which sees high volumes of visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom.
The authority also trains participating entities in serving pilgrims on the use of Banan devices throughout the Umrah season. In addition, it provides data services and maintenance for the Grand Mosque operations room.
Digital Collaboration with the Grand Mosque Presidency
SDAIA works with the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque to deliver secure digital solutions. These solutions support technical consulting in data, information technology, and artificial intelligence research.
Furthermore, the authority supports crowd management in partnership with the Special Forces for Hajj and Umrah Security. Technical solutions count individuals entering and exiting the Grand Mosque gates and monitor density in the Mataf and courtyards. This data supports capacity management, crowd behavior monitoring, and faster emergency response decisions.
Tawakkalna App Expands Ramadan Features
During Ramadan, the Tawakkalna application plays a central role in serving pilgrims and worshippers. Users can issue Umrah and prayer permits for Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa, check booking capacities, reschedule permits, and receive availability notifications.
The application integrates with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah through the Manasik portal and offers live broadcasts from the two holy mosques. It also provides Nusuk maps as part of its service offering.
Additional digital services within the app include access to the Holy Quran, Qibla direction, prayer times, I’tikaf entry permits for the Grand Mosque, and the occupancy status of the Mataf and Sa’i areas. Users can also view schedules for imams and muezzins of the two holy mosques.
“SDAIA’s teams monitor system readiness and promptly address any malfunctions.”
Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA)
Prayer Time Widget and Future Outlook
The Tawakkalna app also features a widget that displays local and global prayer times. The widget includes countdown timers and prayer time alerts, offering users a comprehensive digital experience during the holy month.
These combined efforts reflect the Kingdom’s broader digital transformation strategy and its ongoing investment in technology to serve the two holy mosques. SDAIA’s Ramadan deployment demonstrates how artificial intelligence and data tools are being applied to large-scale crowd and logistics management in real time.