Al Riyadh Newspaper – May 30, 2025: Focus on Hajj: Pilgrimage, Services, and Innovation

This collection of sources from Al Riyadh newspaper highlights Saudi Arabia’s multifaceted efforts and achievements. Several articles focus on the preparations and implementation of the Hajj pilgrimage, emphasizing the use of technology and logistics, including initiatives like “Makkah Route” and the “Smart Hajj Card,” to enhance the experience and security of pilgrims. The text also features reports on the strength and growth of the Saudi Arabian economy, particularly its non-oil sectors and banking industry, aligning these advancements with the goals of Vision 2030. Finally, there are pieces on cultural and social aspects, such as the significance of hospitality, the historical development of coastal areas, the biography of a notable literary figure, and discussions on contemporary issues like traffic pollution and the state of Saudi sports.

Managing the Hajj Pilgrimage: Saudi Arabia’s Comprehensive Approach

The Hajj is considered the fifth pillar of Islam, a great religious obligation that gathers millions of Muslims from various parts of the earth annually in Mecca/Makkah Al-Mukarramah. It is performed at the end of every Hijri year. This annual event is a moment of great spiritual significance, embodying unity for Muslims who come from diverse backgrounds, languages, customs, and traditions, yet unite for one goal. The Hajj journey transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, serving as a powerful symbol of human unity and equality under the banner of faith.

Managing this immense human gathering, involving millions from over 150 nationalities speaking dozens of languages, presents significant challenges. These challenges include managing high-density crowds, addressing diverse needs and languages, providing extensive services such as health, security, and logistics, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring the safety of pilgrims by preventing unauthorized entry and managing potential health issues like those affecting bones and joints.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) considers serving the pilgrims a great honor and a religious, moral, and sovereign responsibility. KSA dedicates all its capabilities to ensure the comfort and safety of the pilgrims. These efforts are continuous, evolving year after year, and are integral to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to enhance the pilgrim experience.

Saudi Arabia’s efforts to facilitate Hajj are comprehensive and multi-faceted, leveraging innovation and technology to manage the event efficiently and enhance the pilgrim experience:

• Infrastructure and Logistics: Significant investments have been made in developing infrastructure, including roads, water distribution systems, housing, and transport networks. Major projects like the Jamarat facility, the Al-Mashaaer Train, and the Haramain Train are crucial for pilgrim movement. Modern tents, cooling systems, and wide passages contribute to comfort. Transport capacity is continuously increased across air and train networks.
• Technology and Innovation (Smart Hajj): KSA extensively employs modern technology and innovation, particularly through initiatives like “Smart Hajj,” which is a clear model of this approach. Digital platforms and applications covering various aspects of the pilgrim’s journey, such as housing, transportation, health, and guidance, are widely used. The “Nusuk” platform/app is highlighted as a unified digital platform enabling pilgrims to plan their entire journey from booking to performing rituals. The Smart Hajj Card, or Sha’air Card, is a multi-functional electronic card containing pilgrim information, including health data and permit details, facilitating access to services and tracking movements. The “Makkah Road” initiative streamlines entry procedures from pilgrims’ home countries before arrival in Saudi Arabia, aiming to reduce travel time and effort. Artificial Intelligence (AI), cameras, and predictive analytics are used for sophisticated crowd management, identifying behavior patterns, predicting congestion, and enabling rapid intervention. AI is also crucial for providing translation services and guidance. AI-powered innovations include multi-lingual robots for religious guidance and medical consultations (“Holo Doctor”), smart sanitation devices, smart monitoring wristbands, and experimental smart transport options like flying taxis and electric scooters. Digital guidance screens and awareness campaigns further leverage technology to reach pilgrims effectively.
• Security and Safety: A strict legal framework, including mandatory Hajj visas and permits, is enforced to regulate entry and ensure safety. Severe penalties are in place for violators and those who facilitate unauthorized entry. Security management involves trained forces, emergency plans, and surveillance via cameras and possibly satellites. Technology aids in tracking, identification, and coordination among security agencies. The necessity of permits is emphasized through public awareness campaigns, and the Council of Senior Scholars has affirmed that performing Hajj without a permit is not permissible.
• Health Services: An integrated health system provides comprehensive care, with equipped hospitals and medical centers operating 24/7, supported by emergency teams and various ambulance types. Digital health services like telemedicine, smart monitoring devices, and access to electronic patient files are available. The Kingdom’s readiness for emergencies and epidemics is high, demonstrating its leadership in crowd medicine. Proactive measures like requiring vaccinations contribute to public health during the gathering.
• Guidance and Awareness: Guidance and awareness are provided in multiple languages through various channels, including digital platforms, smart centers with translation services, and extensive volunteer programs. Broadcasting religious lessons live in different languages helps convey correct religious concepts. Educational campaigns include health guidance and tips for managing personal belongings. Environmental awareness is also integrated into guidance.
• Environmental Sustainability: KSA is actively integrating environmental sustainability concepts into Hajj management, recognizing its importance for future generations. Initiatives like the Mashaaer Train and the use of clean energy aim to reduce carbon emissions. Waste management, promoting recycling, and encouraging responsible consumption of water and energy are key focus areas. Environmental volunteerism is encouraged, and technology is used for environmental monitoring and management. Innovative use of recycled materials, such as rubber asphalt for pedestrian paths, enhances comfort and contributes to sustainability.
• Enhancing Pilgrim Experience: A primary goal is to allow pilgrims to focus on the spiritual aspects by reducing logistical and administrative burdens. Hospitality is evident from the moment of arrival, with traditional welcomes including coffee, dates, and smiles. Services are designed for comfort and ease, including psychological support. Reducing waiting times and improving navigation flow through technology are key aspects.

Pilgrims and observers often praise the high level of organization, security, and quality of services provided during Hajj. Many describe the experience as transformative, deepening their sense of unity and faith. Anthropologically, Hajj is viewed as a collective rite of passage where social differences are temporarily set aside, reinforcing a shared identity. While technology is increasingly integrated, discussions arise regarding the balance between maintaining the spiritual essence of the ritual and embracing modern management tools. The media plays a significant role in conveying the Hajj experience to the world.

Despite these extensive efforts, some voices raise criticisms, accusing the Kingdom of politicizing Hajj or citing perceived shortcomings. KSA refutes these by pointing to the openness in granting visas, the equality of services provided to all pilgrims regardless of nationality, testimonies from pilgrims themselves, and recognition from international bodies like the UN and WHO for its management of Hajj. Challenges persist, particularly in overcoming digital literacy gaps among some pilgrims, managing network strain during peak times, and ensuring accurate translation across a vast array of languages and dialects. Health challenges are also noted, especially regarding the physical strain of the pilgrimage and managing existing health conditions among pilgrims.

In summary, Hajj is a monumental religious event that unites millions. Saudi Arabia has consistently demonstrated its profound commitment to facilitating this pilgrimage safely and comfortably, leveraging vast resources, advanced technology, and meticulous planning to manage the complex logistics and enhance the spiritual journey for all who attend.

Saudi Vision 2030: Transformation and Development

Saudi Vision 2030 represents a comprehensive and ambitious national strategy driving significant transformation across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It places enhancing the pilgrim experience at the heart of its priorities, leveraging modern technology and innovation in the details of the Hajj season.

The Vision encompasses several key areas aimed at achieving its overarching goals:

1. Economic Diversification: A primary objective is to achieve economic diversification away from reliance on oil income. Increasing the contribution of non-oil sectors to the national income is a main entry point towards transforming Vision 2030 into reality. The growth in non-oil exports directly aligns with Vision 2030’s objective of diversifying income sources, and continuous growth in this area confirms the success of the Kingdom’s efforts to stimulate productive and export sectors. Vision 2030 aims to increase the percentage of non-oil exports from non-oil GDP, support innovation and national industry, contributing to a diversified and prosperous economy. The vision is the roadmap for developing non-oil exports and diversifying national income sources.
2. Enhancing the Hajj and Umrah Experience: Improving the quality of services for pilgrims and Umrah performers is a continuous commitment and a key objective of Vision 2030. The Vision seeks to facilitate the performance of rituals and provide an exceptional spiritual experience for the millions of Muslims visiting the holy sites. Initiatives like the “Makkah Road” are explicitly part of Vision 2030 programs aimed at enhancing the pilgrim experience. Regulating Hajj through mandatory permits is also integral to achieving Vision 2030 goals related to pilgrim safety and security.
3. Technology and Innovation: Vision 2030 embraces digital transformation and the adoption of modern technology. Initiatives like “Smart Hajj” and digital platforms such as Nusuk are extensions of this vision, aimed at enhancing the pilgrim experience through innovation. The use of AI, cameras, and predictive analytics in Hajj management demonstrates a national vision looking towards a smart future, aligning with Vision 2030 goals for efficiency and safety. The Kingdom’s achievement of ranking first globally in the growth of the innovation ecosystem and being named “Innovation State of the Year 2025” reflects national integrated efforts to support the innovation environment and develop a sustainable knowledge economy, stemming from ambitious national initiatives and strategies led under Vision 2030. This progress enhances the Kingdom’s position as a global investment and regional innovation center.
4. Tourism Development: Developing beaches into global destinations is presented as an essential part of Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to promote sustainable tourism. Major projects like the Red Sea Project and NEOM are highlighted within this context.
5. Sports Development: The sports sector has taken significant steps thanks to the support of the leadership, becoming an active icon in the country. The approach towards sports is integrated into the daily agenda and official vision, emphasizing its importance for building communities and strengthening connections, aligning with Vision 2030 goals. The “Innovation Award” in the transport and logistics sector is also seen as embodying an ambitious vision consistent with Vision 2030 goals to make this sector a global model for creativity and innovation. This investment in sports is viewed as a real investment in people.
6. National Development and Global Positioning: Vision 2030 is driving growth and development in all fields, based on religious foundations and national constants. The success in organizing Hajj at high levels is an important part of Vision 2030’s objectives to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global center for hosting and serving pilgrims. The continuous development efforts across various sectors aim to achieve sustainable development and enhance the Kingdom’s global standing.

The implementation of Vision 2030 relies on ambitious plans, developed projects, and modern technologies. It emphasizes comprehensive and multi-faceted efforts, including significant investments in infrastructure, leveraging innovation and technology (“Smart Hajj” initiatives), strengthening security and safety frameworks, enhancing health services, and integrating environmental sustainability concepts.

Ultimately, Vision 2030 is presented as a continuous process of improvement and transformation, aimed at achieving economic prosperity, social well-being, and a leading global role, while upholding its responsibility to serve the Muslim world, particularly through facilitating Hajj and Umrah with the highest standards of efficiency, safety, and innovation.

Saudi Vision 2030: Technology and Innovation

Saudi Vision 2030 places a strong emphasis on technology and innovation as key drivers for national transformation. This focus is evident across multiple sectors, particularly in the enhancement of the Hajj and Umrah experience and broader economic diversification efforts.

Here are some key aspects of technological innovation discussed in the sources:

• Integration with Vision 2030: Digital transformation and the adoption of modern technology are core elements of Vision 2030. Initiatives like “Smart Hajj” and digital platforms are described as extensions of this vision aimed at improving the pilgrim experience. The Kingdom’s ranking in the global innovation ecosystem and being named “Innovation State of the Year 2025” reflects integrated national efforts stemming from ambitious strategies under Vision 2030 to support innovation and develop a sustainable knowledge economy.
• Enhancing the Hajj Experience: Technology is extensively used to facilitate the performance of rituals and provide an exceptional spiritual experience for pilgrims.
• Digital Platforms and Applications: Various digital platforms and applications have been launched covering multiple aspects of the pilgrim journey, including accommodation, transportation, health services, guidance, and religious awareness. These platforms provide instant information, interactive guidance, quick access to services in multiple languages, aiming to make the Hajj experience more organized and easier.
• Nusuk Platform: Highlighted as a unified and comprehensive digital platform for pilgrims and Umrah performers, enabling full trip planning (flights, hotels, Haramain train) and managing bookings in one place. It also includes a digital guide with religious information, alerts for rituals, live broadcasts, and features like a digital prayer beads and Qibla direction. Acknowledged challenges include managing the immense system load during Hajj season.
• Smart Hajj Card: This is a new technology developed under Nusuk, serving as an electronic multi-function card containing pilgrim’s personal, health, and permit data, utilizing NFC and QR codes for service access and movement management. It is seen as significantly enhancing control by verifying identity and permits, helping track pilgrim movement for efficient crowd management and rapid intervention in emergencies, and monitoring compliance with instructions. It offers benefits like ease of access, reduced waiting times, less reliance on paper documents, and aids authorities in better planning and responding to incidents.
• Healthcare Technology: The Ministry of Health has implemented a digital system for pilgrim healthcare. Innovations include “Holo Doctor” for remote medical consultations via video with doctors in Riyadh, allowing diagnosis and e-prescriptions without needing to transport the patient. Virtual hospitals and smart bracelets/watches monitor vital signs and send alerts for health emergencies. The Saha Virtual Hospital app allows consultations anytime, anywhere, linking directly to holy sites hospitals. The Sehaty app provides access to medical files, appointments, and lab results.
• Smart Transportation: Recent Hajj seasons have seen the introduction of innovative transport solutions, such as experimental autonomous air taxis for transport between holy sites, aiming to reduce congestion and save time/effort. Electric scooters have been designated on key paths within the holy sites to ease movement. These smart transport initiatives aim for efficiency and sustainability.
• Guidance and Awareness Technology: Smart screens provide real-time information, movement paths, prayer times, and safety guidance in multiple languages. Smart guidance centers offer instant translation and multi-language support. Augmented reality through smart glasses is used for interactive guidance during rituals. Digital channels via mobile phones, including video clips and messages in various languages, are used for awareness campaigns covering health (vaccinations, hydration), practical tips (packing), and emergency procedures.
• AI in Hajj Management: The use of Artificial Intelligence, cameras, and predictive analytics is considered a fundamental strategic shift in crowd and event management, moving beyond a simple technical addition. This involves high-precision cameras and AI-powered analytical systems for real-time monitoring, analyzing human behavior, identifying unusual patterns, detecting medical distress or congestion risks, and allowing for rapid, proactive intervention. AI supports strategic planning by analyzing historical data to predict crowd flow, anticipating potential problems like bottlenecks, and suggesting optimal responses or alternative routes. It acts as a decision-making center, providing instant data and recommendations to relevant authorities, significantly reducing response time. AI can also aid in managing resources and optimizing their allocation. Potential future uses include detecting physical distress and providing smart navigation.
• Challenges in Technology Adoption for Hajj: Despite the advancements, challenges remain, such as linguistic difficulties (supporting local dialects and less common languages) and the potential for inaccuracies in religious interpretations through machine translation. Connectivity issues in crowded areas can also impact services relying on constant internet access.
• Broader Impact and Diversification: Technological innovation is linked to the broader goal of economic diversification away from oil dependency. The growth in non-oil exports is seen as a direct result of efforts to stimulate productive and export sectors, aligning with the Vision 2030 objective of diversifying income sources. Innovation supports national industry and contributes to a diversified and prosperous economy.
• Innovation Ecosystem: The Kingdom’s high ranking in global innovation indexes reflects efforts to develop a sustainable knowledge economy. This includes supporting startups and small/medium enterprises, fostering a culture of innovation, and enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global investment and regional innovation center. Specific areas of strength mentioned include FinTech, delivery/logistics tech, digital payments, e-gaming, and EdTech.
• Sports and Tourism: The sports sector is actively integrating technology. Major tourism projects like the Red Sea Project and NEOM are highlighted within the context of developing global destinations through sustainable tourism, implying the use of modern technology.

Overall, the sources present technological innovation as a critical enabler for Saudi Vision 2030, not only transforming the Hajj experience but also driving economic diversification, strengthening the national innovation ecosystem, and enhancing the Kingdom’s global standing across various sectors.

Saudi Economic Transformation Under Vision 2030

Based on the sources and our conversation, the Saudi Arabian economy is undergoing a significant transformation guided by Saudi Vision 2030. A primary objective of the Vision is economic diversification away from reliance on oil income.

Key aspects of the discussion on the economy and banking, as presented in the sources, include:

• Economic Diversification: Vision 2030 aims to increase the contribution of non-oil sectors to the national income. The growth in non-oil exports is highlighted as a main entry point for transforming Vision 2030 into reality. Continuous growth in this area confirms the success of the Kingdom’s efforts to stimulate productive and export sectors.
• Recent Trade Performance (as of March/Q1 2025):Non-oil exports (including re-exports) registered a notable increase of 13.4% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. In March 2025, non-oil exports grew by 10.7% compared to March 2024. This reflects the expanding contribution of non-oil sectors to the Kingdom’s foreign trade.
• Total merchandise exports recorded a decrease of 3.2% in Q1 2025 and 9.8% in March 2025 compared to the corresponding periods in 2024.
• Merchandise imports increased by 7.3% in Q1 2025 and 0.1% in March 2025 compared to the same periods in the previous year.
• The trade balance saw a decrease of 28% in the first quarter and 34.2% in March.
• The ratio of non-oil exports to imports improved, reaching 36.2% in Q1 2025 (up from 34.3% in Q1 2024) and 36.5% in March 2025 (up from 33% in March 2024).
• The share of oil exports in total exports decreased to 71.8% in Q1 2025 (from 75.9% in Q1 2024) and 71.2% in March 2025 (compared to imports).
• This trade data is based on administrative records from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (for non-oil data) and the Ministry of Energy (for oil data).
• Support for Non-Oil Exports: The objective is to increase the percentage of non-oil exports from non-oil GDP. “Saudi Exports” (Saudi Export Development Authority) employs its capabilities to improve the export environment and overcome challenges faced by exporters. They work on enhancing the readiness of exporting establishments, finding suitable export opportunities and markets, and connecting exporters with potential buyers. The sustained growth in non-oil exports underscores the success of stimulating production and export sectors and attracting foreign investments.
• Sectors Contributing to Diversification:Tourism: Developing beaches into global destinations like the Red Sea Project and NEOM is presented as an essential part of Vision 2030. This aims to promote sustainable tourism and create job opportunities.
• Sports: The sports sector is highlighted as a significant contributor to community and economic development and is seen as an investment in people. It is becoming an active icon in the country due to leadership support. Privatization is seen as a way for sports to become a self-sustaining industry.
• Hajj/Umrah: The Hajj is described as a “huge economic force” driving various sectors like transportation, hospitality, tourism, and smart services. While primarily religious, it represents a point where religious values intersect with market logic and consumption patterns.
• Innovation: The Kingdom’s high ranking in the global innovation ecosystem reflects national efforts to support innovation and develop a sustainable knowledge economy. Specific areas of strength mentioned include FinTech (2nd globally), delivery/logistics tech (2nd globally), and digital payments (3rd globally). This growth in innovation enhances the Kingdom’s position as a global investment and regional innovation center.
• Banking and Financial Context:The sources mention Saudi Arabia’s global ranking in FinTech and digital payments, indicating activity and growth in these areas related to the banking sector.
• Loan performance is mentioned, with net loan growth increasing by 4.1% in Q1 2025, reaching its highest growth rate in fifteen months. This performance is linked to the strong momentum in non-oil sectors.
• The Riyadh Chamber of Commerce is mentioned for its role in social responsibility and supporting a housing association, indicating the business community’s engagement beyond purely economic activities.
• Broader Economic Context (Global): The sources also touch upon global economic themes like rising bond yields, US budget deficits, debt ceiling issues, trade tensions, and central bank interest rate expectations, particularly in the US, Japan, and European countries. US inflation data for April 2025 is also reported. While this provides a broader economic backdrop, it’s not specifically focused on Saudi Arabia’s internal banking or economic policies beyond the points already mentioned.

In summary, the sources indicate that Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing economic diversification under Vision 2030, with notable success in boosting non-oil exports and developing non-oil sectors like tourism, sports, and innovation, including areas like FinTech and digital payments. Recent data shows growth in non-oil trade and overall loan activity, although total exports decreased. The Hajj, while a religious duty, is also recognized as a significant economic contributor.

Saudi Coastal Transformation for Vision 2030

Based on the sources and our conversation history, coastal development in Saudi Arabia is a significant aspect of the Kingdom’s economic transformation.

Coastal areas and beaches are considered an essential part of Saudi Vision 2030. A core objective of Vision 2030 is economic diversification away from reliance on oil income, and the development of these coastal regions is strongly linked to achieving this goal.

Historically, coasts served as crucial areas for ports and fishing. Al Uqair port is noted as the first and oldest port in the country. Beaches like “Half Moon Bay” (Nisf Al-Qamar) on the Arabian Gulf coast were among the oldest known places for leisure and fishing for residents.

Under Vision 2030, there has been a deliberate shift to transform coastal areas and beaches into global tourist destinations. This transformation aims to contribute significantly to increasing the non-oil sector’s contribution to the national income.

Major development projects like the Red Sea Project and NEOM are highlighted as key initiatives in this coastal transformation. The Red Sea project specifically aims to attract millions of tourists by developing unique islands and beaches, and NEOM focuses on creating sustainable tourist destinations on the Gulf of Aqaba coast, emphasizing exploration and adventure. These projects aim to offer a variety of attractions, including sandy beaches and diving areas.

The focus is not only on international tourism but also on boosting domestic tourism. Initiatives like the “Saudi Summer” program highlight coastal areas among the 10 targeted tourist destinations within the Kingdom. Examples of promoted coastal spots include Tabuk, Haql, Umluj (dubbed the “Maldives of Saudi Arabia”), Yanbu (referred to as the “Pearl of the Red Sea”), and Jeddah (called the “Bride of the Red Sea”).

Specific existing coastal areas are also mentioned, such as Half Moon Bay, described for its distinctive shape, length (the longest on the Arabian Gulf coast), sections (Pearl, Shell, Oyster, Coral, Waves), recreational activities like sand sliding on nearby dunes, and tourist resorts. Al Fanateer beach in Jubail is also noted as a modern beach area on the eastern coast.

This coastal development is expected to play a significant role in creating job opportunities within the tourism sector, thereby supporting Vision 2030’s economic development goals.

Furthermore, Vision 2030’s attention to the environment includes efforts in tourist areas, and renewable energy projects are mentioned as part of the initiatives in coastal regions.

In summary, coastal development is strategically important for Saudi Arabia’s economic future under Vision 2030, moving from traditional uses like ports and fishing to modern tourism hubs, driven by major projects, promoting both international and domestic visitors, and creating jobs, while also considering environmental aspects.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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