More than a million Muslims have begun the Hajj pilgrimage today in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The annual event poses significant logistical challenges for the authorities. This year, Saudi Arabia is deploying drones for the first time to manage the massive crowds.
The drones, equipped with cameras and artificial intelligence (AI), monitor crowd density and can also deliver medical supplies and assist in firefighting. Last year, over 1,300 pilgrims died due to extreme heat, many of whom were unauthorized participants lacking access to air-conditioned spaces.
To prevent a repeat of last year's tragedy, Saudi authorities have implemented stricter controls, including fines and deportations for illegal pilgrims. Additional measures include cooling road surfaces to combat extreme temperatures, which can exceed 50°C in summer.
Children under 12 are now prohibited from participating, and pilgrims must register via a government app to access designated areas at scheduled times.