E-Prosiding Persidangan Serantau Manasik Haji 2025 (MANASIK2025)

MANASIK2025 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 7-8 Oktober 2025 585 Intelligence (AI) might be crucial. AI can enhance healthcare delivery, improve patient care, optimize resources, and ensure efficient management of the large-scale healthcare demands during Hajj. Wearable technology such as smart bracelets equipped with GPS tracking and medical data storage is increasingly prominent in Hajj 2025 innovations (3nttae.com, 2 025). These devices enable rapid identification of lost pilgrims, facilitate emergency medical assistance, and provide safety alerts in densely populated areas. Digital counter rings and smart prayer mats enhance spiritual focus by tracking religious repetitions and Qibla direction, enabling pilgrims to maintain ritual accuracy amidst the vast crowds (3nttae.com, 2 025). AI-powered virtual assistants can provide digital services by interacting with patients in real-time (Abdoh, 2025; Mishaal M Almutairi et al., 2025; Alquayt et al., 2025; Baihan et al., 2025). They can be programmed to provide immediate support and healthcare- provider interaction, answers to the most common questions, symptoms assessment, appointment scheduling, and patient education. Virtual assistants can provide 24/7 support to patients and reduce the workload of healthcare providers, which is very important given the expected high volume of patients during MGs. A study that evaluated the use of generative AI as a virtual assistant showed that its use has improved overall patient quality and offered cost- saving opportunities. Virtual assistants also display empathy, sympathy, and emotional support, which has been shown to improve patients’ satisfaction. There is li mited evidence of these tools in MGs, yet they are much needed given the unique challenges during the Hajj season. Notably, Saudi Arabia’s efforts to implement these services, including telehealth services, are ongoing. The Saudi MoH has launched the first virtual hospital in the region that facilitates access to patients and offers immediate consultations with healthcare provider. It also utilizes AI to prioritize provided services based on urgency and importance. AI-Enhanced Surveillance and Medical Response Saudi authorities have integrated AI surveillance systems with real-time analytics to dynamically manage crowd flows and emergency response capabilities (Shah, 2024). Over 10,500 WiFi hotspots and full 5G coverage ensure continuous connectivity for pilgrims, enabling timely communication between pilgrims and officials (MM Almutairi, 2024). AI- driven health monitoring facilitates early detection of medical emergencies and streamlined ambulance coordination, critical for reducing mortality during physically demanding pilgrimage days (Times of India, 2025). CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTATION Although the adoption of technology has significantly enhanced pilgrimage management, challenges remain. Pilgrim diversity includes elderly and less technologically literate individuals who may struggle with digital tools (Rahman & Bustaman, 2025). Infrastructural issues, such as intermittent network access in remote sites, still hamper full technological potential. Furthermore, privacy and cybersecurity concerns need robust policies and technical solutions to protect pilgrim data (Shambour & Gutub, 2022). METHODOLOGY This study employs a qualitative research approach to explore the role of technology and innovation in reducing challenges faced by Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Qualitative methods are appropriate for gaining in-depth insights into the complex social, technological, and operational dynamics involved in pilgrimage management. Data were collected from diverse secondary sources, including official reports, academic papers, technology provider documentation, and firsthand accounts of pilgrimage operations in 2025.