The fast-pacing world of technology affects every industry, creating innovative solutions for age-old problems. For example, Hajj and Umrah have become a lot more convenient and safer with the introduction of technological features.
It has also greatly benefited the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom in efficiently managing the increasing number of pilgrims. This has also made Muslims curious about how technology is revolutionising the Umrah experience.
The management authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have taken help from technologies like digitisation to enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience for the pilgrims. Unlike Hajj, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that Muslims perform all year round.
Therefore, the authorities must use the ideal technologies to provide a memorable pilgrimage to all the pilgrims throughout the year. And the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is successfully doing it more prominently after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Digitisation of the Umrah Industry
Hajj and Umrah industry has greatly benefited from digitisation. From the Umrah visa application process to ensuring the safety and security of Umrah pilgrims during Umrah, everything is done through effective digitisation. You can easily apply for a tourist eVisa online, enabling citizens of many countries to perform Umrah without the Umrah visa.
Moreover, you make all the hotel and transportation bookings virtually. This ensures excellent convenience for the pilgrims as they can take care of everything from their smartphones. Another step of digitisation that the industry has taken is the introduction of Tawakkalna and Eatmarna applications. These applications enable Muslims to enter the Grand Mosque by issuing them a permit.
Also, various applications enable the management authorities to keep track of the pilgrims to ensure their safety. It also helps ensure that all the pilgrims are vaccinated, especially after the coronavirus pandemic. Digitisation enables the management of large crowds efficiently without the help of physical teams assisting.
Use of Smart Technology during Umrah
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah manages the whole sector and the Muslims who want to perform the pilgrimage worldwide. So, it must work smartly. They have integrated intelligent technology features like smartwatches, bracelets and smart robot services to facilitate the pilgrims.
Here are some smart technologies that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has started utilising in the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. These ensure an enhanced experience for the pilgrims.
- Smart Cards
Smart cards issued by the Ministry to the pilgrims help in near-field communication. It also features barcodes that provide the pilgrims’ medical, personal and residence information. These cards are also responsible for guiding the pilgrims to their residences within the holy sites during Hajj. Authorities claim they will also provide smart cards to the Umrah pilgrims shortly.
In addition to providing the pilgrims with personal information, the smart cards also enable them to check their schedules and the pre-planned routes. It also allows them to choose their meals, which helps them in avoiding crowded places.
- Smart Bracelets
Pilgrims are supposed to wear these smart bracelets on their wrists. They have integrated GPS and utilise the data for IoT technologies. These bracelets track all the personal information of the pilgrims, including their health status. It ensures their safety and security during their pilgrimage. These bracelets are also connected to the Tawakkalna app., which helps pilgrims keep track of their health status.
Therefore, these bracelets help the authorities take the necessary action if needed. By monitoring the health status of the pilgrims, authorities ensure enhanced security of the pilgrims in case of health issues or accidents. This is how technology is revolutionising the Umrah experience.
- Smart Robots
The Grand Mosque and Masjid-an-Nabwi management authorities have also introduced smart robot services. They help with the disinfection routine. These robots have a specialised program which allows them to analyse the disinfection situation in a particular area.
In 2019, the first Hajj robot was introduced, which provided medical consultation to pilgrims. A physician can also remotely manage the robot and help the pilgrims in any medical emergency. Therefore, it has undoubtedly revolutionised the whole management system of the Hajj and Umrah industry.
Conclusion
If you have decided to perform Umrah this year, you must take help from a reliable Umrah travel agency in the USA. You will also experience revolutionising technology during your Umrah journey. It will help you have a more enhanced and convenient pilgrimage. You will not have to worry about keeping track of your health status or residence in the region. Therefore, You can leave it all to technology. You will see how technology is revolutionising the Umrah experience.
Moreover, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah keeps on introducing new tech-induced features for the safety and convenience of the pilgrims. It is essential as they have to manage the largest and most diverse religious crowd. So, make sure that you take advantage of all the technology features during your Umrah for a memorable experience.
