Saudi Arabia records highest single-day Umrah attendance

Saudi Arabia has revealed that it has recorded its highest number of Umrah pilgrims in a single day with over half a million worshippers performing the pilgrimage at the Grand Mosque.

The unprecedented turnout was recorded on Thursday, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has confirmed.

In order to tackle such a crowd, the authorities have adopted state-of-the-art monitoring technology, including AI-powered surveillance and smart sensors installed at key entry points.

The advanced sensors track the number of pilgrims entering the mosque in real-time, while start cameras track movement and pinpoint congestion areas with precision.

The state of the art integrated system allows for immediate crowd assessment, enabling authorities to optimize the distribution of worshippers across high-density areas. These areas included Mataf and Sa’i – the partway between Safa and Marwah.

Officials noted that the new monitoring framework facilitates rapid decision-making, ensuring a steady flow of pilgrims while enhancing safety measures.

Security forces in Makkah have also intensified efforts to maintain order and assist pilgrims, working round the clock to manage crowds, provide support to the elderly, reunite lost children with their families, and ensure the smooth movement of visitors.