E-Prosiding Persidangan Serantau Manasik Haji 2025 (MANASIK2025)

MANASIK2025 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 7-8 Oktober 2025 586 Data Collection The primary sources of data include the General Authority for Statistics reports on Hajj and Umrah pilgrim numbers and management performance (General Authority for Statistics, 2025). Secondary data were gathered from scholarly publications analyzing the applications of AI, IoT, biometrics, and mobile applications within pilgrimage settings (Al-Shaery et al., 2022; Alquayt et al., 2025; Shambour & Gutub, 2022). Supplementary online resources and digital platforms of pilgrimage management authorities provided contemporary operational updates and technology integrations (3nttae.com, 2025). Analytical Framework Data were analyzed using the Technology Adoption Model (Davis, 1989) and Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations Theory (2003), which provided theoretical lenses to examine factors influencing technology acceptance and integration among pilgrims and administrative stakeholders (Lai, 2017). The analysis focused on how perceived usefulness, ease of use, social influence, and facilitating conditions affect the deployment and acceptance of technological solutions. The study also assessed challenges and barriers, such as variability in technological literacy among pilgrims, infrastructural constraints in remote pilgrimage sites, and privacy concerns associated with extensive data collection. The qualitative descriptive method allowed for thematic categorization of technology types, practical applications, and user experiences. Validation and Reliability To ensure validity and reliability, data sources were triangulated by cross-referencing statistical reports with independent academic evaluations and government documentation. Expert reviews from pilgrimage operations scholars and technology specialists were consulted to verify emerging themes and interpretations. This methodological rigor supports credible, comprehensive insights into the efficacy and challenges of technology adoption in contemporary pilgrimage management. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION The year 2025 has seen an unprecedented integration of cutting-edge technologies into the management of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, significantly enhancing safety, operational efficiency, and spiritual engagement. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative has been pivotal in driving a digital transformation that aligns modern technology with the sacred traditions of pilgrimage (Arab News, 2025). Advanced Communication and Connectivity Infrastructure One of the most notable innovations for Hajj 2025 is the provision of free, high-speed internet accessible throughout pilgrimage sites including the Grand Mosque, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. The installation of over 10,500 WiFi hotspots along with full 4G and 5G network coverage ensures seamless data connectivity for millions of pilgrims simultaneously (Times of India, 2025). This infrastructure enables pilgrims to access digital resources, communicate with family, and receive real-time updates and alerts from Hajj authorities, thereby substantially reducing confusion and enhancing coordination(Baihan et al., 2025). AI-Powered Crowd Management and Safety Monitoring Artificial Intelligence has become a core element of Hajj crowd control strategies. The "Baseer" platform employs computer vision and machine learning to monitor over one million pilgrims daily, providing authorities with live analytics on crowd density and movement patterns (Abalkhail & Al Amri, 2022; Alshahrani, n.d.). This allows for timely interventions, such as rerouting crowds and dispatching emergency personnel, reducing risks of stampedes, and managing congestion at critical points like the stoning of Jamrah. Digital Assistants and Mobile Applications Hajj 2025 introduced AI-powered virtual assistants such as the Smart Enrichment Assistant and Digital Mutawwif, which guide pilgrims through rituals with multilingual support and ritual step counters (Abalkhail & Al Amri, 2022). These applications help pilgrims maintain spiritual focus while reducing