Baladi+ Updates Over 11,800 Sites in Mecca in Preparation for Hajj 1447 AH
Baladi+ updates over 11,800 sites in Mecca to facilitate pilgrim movement for Hajj 1447 AH, in collaboration with the Royal Commission.
Baladi+ has announced the implementation of a series of digital and spatial updates in Mecca and the holy sites in preparation for the Hajj season of 1447 AH. This includes updating more than 11,800 landmarks and sites to facilitate the movement of pilgrims and enhance crowd management efficiency during the season, in collaboration with the Royal Commission for the City of Mecca and the Holy Sites.
The initiative involves auditing and updating spatial data for vital sites and landmarks within Mecca and the holy sites, which supports improving access and mobility experiences and enhances the efficiency of services provided to pilgrims.
Baladi+ has also developed digital map services by monitoring and updating public transport routes totaling over 990 kilometers, providing real-time data for transport schedules to enable pilgrims to reach their destinations easily and efficiently.
The platform launched an interactive 3D experience for the entrances and exits of the Grand Mosque, pedestrian paths, and the Jamarat Bridge, contributing to ease of movement and improving access experiences within the holy sites before and during the rituals.
The updates included reviewing and updating the locations of hospitals, health centers, Red Crescent stations, and public facilities, as well as linking pilgrim camps with approved campaign data to facilitate access through the fastest available routes.
Digital maps provide real-time updates on road conditions and traffic diversions, linking them to control rooms of partner entities to support quick response, anticipate congestion, and enhance the efficiency of movement and crowd management in high-density areas.
In terms of municipal services, the platform has enabled the issuance of seasonal permits for temporary outlets, pilgrim housing requests, and health certificates, in addition to enhancing field monitoring efforts through the Mumtathil and Baladi Lens platforms, in partnership with the Holy Capital Municipality, contributing to increased compliance and improved quality of services provided during the season.
The CEO of Baladi, Yasser Al-Abidan, stated, "We are working to provide accurate and real-time updated spatial data to enable pilgrims to access services and move efficiently during the Hajj season, within an integrated system with partner entities." He emphasized that these efforts are part of the objectives of developing smart cities and the digital transformation of municipal services, utilizing spatial data, modern technologies, and artificial intelligence to enhance the quality of the pilgrim experience in one of the largest human gatherings worldwide.