The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced that Saudi Arabia has recorded its highest number of Umrah performers in a single day, with 500,000 pilgrims entering the Grand Mosque on Thursday. To improve operational efficiency and manage the flow of pilgrims, the presidency has adopted state-of-the-art monitoring systems. These include reader sensors at the main entrances of the Grand Mosque, which track the number of worshippers in real-time. Additionally, smart cameras have been installed to detect movement and pinpoint congestion areas with greater precision. The dual system of sensors and AI-powered surveillance enables immediate crowd assessment, helping authorities optimize the distribution of pilgrims, particularly in high-density areas such as the Mataf (circumambulation area around the Kaaba) and Mas’a (the area between Safa and Marwah).  This technology plays a key role in enhancing visitor safety, ensuring a smooth flow of entry and exit, and facilitating rapid response during peak hours. The new system witnessed the highest number of pilgrims recorded in a single day, reaching nearly half a million pilgrims. Alongside these technological measures, Mecca’s security patrols remain vigilant in ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims, particularly during Ramadan, when visitor numbers peak. Coordinating with other security agencies, officers actively manage large crowds, assist the elderly, reunite lost children with their families, and provide guidance to those in need. […]