Mecca, Saudi Arabia - Artificial intelligence is being deployed to manage crowds during the Hajj pilgrimage. The Saudi government is utilizing AI to monitor drones and help with crowd control, aiming to prevent incidents like the 2015 stampede that killed over 2,300 people.
The Hajj, a key Islamic pillar, sees millions of Muslims converge on Mecca. The Saudi health ministry has issued guidelines to mitigate the effects of extreme heat, including shaded areas and cooling units. The Grand Mosque's cooling system is the world's largest.
The use of AI reflects ongoing efforts to enhance safety and efficiency during the annual pilgrimage.