Makkah, Indonesianpost.com – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a strong commitment to leveraging
advanced technologies to support pilgrims during Hajj. In recent years, the Kingdom has
steadily integrated cutting-edge solutions – particularly robotics and artificial intelligence
(AI) – to ensure rituals are performed with greater ease, safety, and efficiency.
This progressive approach has transformed the Grand Mosque and holy sites into showcases for
some of the world’s most advanced technologies, with robots playing a central role.
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Robots have now become a familiar part of the Hajj experience – from offering religious
guidance inside the Grand Mosque to distributing Zamzam water and even assisting in
surgical procedures. These innovations reflect how technology is seamlessly blending with
spirituality to enhance the safety and comfort of the pilgrimage.
“Manarat Al-Haramain”: AI-Powered Religious Guidance
Saudi Arabia significantly expanded its use of robotics during the 2025 Hajj season, with the
deployment of the “Manarat Al-Haramain” robot to assist pilgrims. Introduced by the
General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, the
robot’s second version was unveiled this year, offering pilgrims instant access to fatwa
services within the Grand Mosque.
This advanced robot is stationed at multiple points throughout the mosque and its courtyards,
ensuring easy accessibility for all. It provides immediate responses to religious inquiries
through both speech and text, and supports 15 different languages to serve the diverse
nationalities and cultures represented at Hajj.
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According to the Presidency, the deployment of the second-generation “Manarat Al-
Haramain” robot is part of its ongoing efforts to keep pace with global digital transformation.
It aims to harness AI to enhance religious communication and make the spiritual experience
more accessible and enriching for all pilgrims.
Surgical Precision: The Medical Robot
In another leap forward in medical innovation, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health unveiled a
state-of-the-art surgical robot at King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah. Launched by
Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel, the system is designed to perform complex procedures in
urology, oncology, thoracic, and gastrointestinal surgery – with enhanced precision and
shorter recovery times.
This development not only boosts patient safety during the Hajj season but also highlights the
expertise and professionalism of Saudi medical teams who operate this advanced technology
with confidence and care.
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Zamzam Water Robot
As part of Saudi Arabia’s continued AI into Hajj services, the use of the “Zamzam Water
Robot” has remained in place following its initial launch during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originally introduced as part of precautionary measures, the robot was designed to distribute
Zamzam water bottles in a smart, contactless, and safe manner. Its effectiveness was quickly
demonstrated, and it continues to enhance the pilgrim experience at the Holy Sites.
The robot can distribute approximately 30 water bottles per round, with each round lasting
about ten minutes. It operates continuously for up to eight hours, and pauses for 20 seconds to
hand over each bottle with precision – without disrupting crowd movement or colliding with
passersby. The robot has recieved a patent as well as the European CE certification.
In addition, smart robots have previously been used to distribute copies of the Qur’an to
visitors at the Grand Mosque, further underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to using
technology in support of religious observance and improving the pilgrimage experience.
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By embracing these cutting-edge technologies, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its dedication
to enhancing the Hajj experience – making it safer, more seamless, and deeply spiritual. This
forward-looking approach reflects the Kingdom’s broader vision to lead the future of
religious services on a global scale.