Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia Harnesses AI to Unite 2 Million Pilgrims with 35 Languages
The Hajj 2025 pilgrimage, one of the world’s largest gatherings of people, commenced on Wednesday, 4 June, with over two million Muslim pilgrims from 180 nations converging on Mecca, Saudi Arabia. According to the General Authority for the Care of the two Holy Mosques, authorities in Saudi Arabia have implemented cutting-edge AI translation tools to assist pilgrims during the pilgrimage, making it a landmark event in terms of clarity, access, and spiritual depth.
At the heart of this initiative is the Arafat sermon, a central and emotionally resonant moment of Hajj, which will be translated and transmitted live in real-time into 35 languages on Thursday, 5 June. This will enable millions around the world, as well as every pilgrim on the ground, to hear the message of unity, compassion, and faith in their own language. As the General Authority for the Care of the two Holy Mosques stated, "Enabled by advanced AI systems, this global broadcast exemplifies how technology and tradition can harmonise to elevate spiritual experience."
The Saudi Arabian authorities have introduced several translation initiatives, including the ‘Smart Hajj’ and ‘In their languages’ programmes, which provide multilingual support at nearly every touchpoint of the pilgrimage. The Nusuk App, available in multiple languages, offers an AI-powered Personal Assistant that delivers real-time voice translation, allowing users to ask for help, understand procedures, and communicate with worshippers and service teams seamlessly.
Additionally, Manara, a voice-activated robot, provides religious guidance in 11 languages, answering common questions with clarity and cultural sensitivity. Field teams also use AI-powered devices that understand both speech and images, enabling quick and precise communication in each pilgrim’s native language. As the General Authority for the Care of the two Holy Mosques noted, "These tools don’t just make things easier—they help every pilgrim feel understood, included, and supported in real-time."
The Hajj pilgrimage, a must for Muslims who can afford the travel costs, is held annually between the 8th and 13th days of Zil-Hajj, the 12th and final month on the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, the corresponding Gregorian calendar dates of Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia are between 4 June and 8 June. Many pilgrims also visit the city of Medina, home to the Prophet Muhammad’s Mosque and the second-holiest site in Islam.
The use of AI-powered translation during Hajj 2025 has been hailed as a game-changer, particularly in urgent situations such as medical emergencies or crowd management. As the General Authority for the Care of the two Holy Mosques stated, "In urgent situations—whether medical emergencies or crowd management—AI-powered translation is proving to be more than just helpful; it can be life-saving. Instant, accurate communication across dozens of languages is essential to maintaining safety and order during one of the world’s most densely populated religious gatherings."
India’s quota for the Hajj in 2025 is 1.75 lakh pilgrims, with the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, through the Hajj Committee of India, managing arrangements for the bulk of the quota. By placing real-time translation at the core of the Hajj experience, Saudi Arabia is creating a global case study for how technology can enhance—not replace—faith. As the General Authority for the Care of the two Holy Mosques stated, "What was once a logistical challenge is now an opportunity to deepen spiritual connection. In bridging languages, the Kingdom is also bridging hearts. Through thoughtful innovation, Hajj is not only more accessible—it’s more connected, more human, and more spiritually alive than ever before."
