Mount Arafat Witnesses 1.5 Million Pilgrims for Hajj
The use of AI-powered translation tools, voice-activated robots, and field teams that understand both speech and images is part of a broader effort to bridge languages and hearts, making the Hajj experience more connected and human. With pilgrims from over 180 nations participating, the Hajj pilgrimage is a truly global event that promotes unity and understanding among Muslims worldwide.
Over 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage, with enhanced safety measures in place due to high temperatures, and will spend the day in Arafat in prayer and reflection. The pilgrims will then head to Muzdalifah to gather pebbles for the symbolic "stoning of the devil", a ritual that commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's rejection of Satan's temptation.
Saudi Arabia has invested millions in crowd control and safety measures, including planting 10,000 trees for shade, increasing hospital bed capacity, and tripling the number of paramedics. Authorities have urged pilgrims to stay in their tents between 10am and 4pm on Thursday to avoid the desert sun. This year's Haj has seen a significant decrease in the number of pilgrims, with only 1.6 million participating, compared to 1.8 million last year.
The Saudi government has implemented measures to mitigate heat and prevent overcrowding, following last year's tragic incident that resulted in 1,301 deaths. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has urged pilgrims to pray for the people of Gaza, while the Saudi King expressed gratitude for hosting the Haj and prayed for its acceptance. The festival is a time for reflection and unity among Muslims worldwide.
In a notable development, Saudi Arabia is harnessing AI to transform the Hajj pilgrimage experience in 35 languages. For the first time, the Arafat sermon will be translated and transmitted live in real-time into 35 languages, allowing millions worldwide to hear the message of unity, compassion, and faith in their own language. This technology aims to make the pilgrimage more accessible, inclusive, and spiritually alive for the over 2 million pilgrims from 180 nations.
As the pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat, they are reminded of the importance of unity, compassion, and faith. The Hajj pilgrimage is a time for reflection, prayer, and celebration, and Saudi Arabia's efforts to enhance the experience through technology and safety measures are a testament to the country's commitment to hosting this sacred event.