Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is leaning heavily on artificial intelligence to guide pilgrims, with its Nusuk AI assistant surpassing two million users and a service called the Digital Mutawwif now tracking worshippers automatically through Tawaf and Sa'i. The ministry has also added live crowd levels to the Nusuk app to help pilgrims choose quieter times for their rituals.

Nusuk AI Crosses Two Million Users

According to The Islamic Information, the Nusuk AI assistant supports more than 180 languages with voice interaction and has drawn over two million total users since launch, including some 393,000 in a single recent month. The tool answers questions about Hajj, Umrah and visits to the holy sites, allowing pilgrims to seek guidance in their own language rather than relying on printed guides or on-site staff.

The ministry says Nusuk AI received the AI Ethics Mark from the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, known as SDAIA. Officials describe the recognition as a sign of commitment to the responsible and trustworthy use of AI in services for the guests of the two holy mosques.

Digital Mutawwif and Live Crowd Levels

The Digital Mutawwif service uses spatial AI to record a pilgrim's location and movement in real time and automatically count the circuits of Tawaf around the Kaaba and the rounds of Sa'i between Safa and Marwah. The feature is designed to spare pilgrims the common worry of losing count during crowded rituals. The ministry reported more than two million uses of the service in one month, with around 1.4 million pilgrims relying on it to complete their rites.

The Nusuk app has rolled out a broader set of tools alongside it. A live crowd levels feature displays real-time congestion data for the Tawaf and Sa'i areas so pilgrims can select less busy times. Interactive maps show gates, facilities and prayer areas inside Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi, and a Qibla finder uses the device location to point toward the Kaaba. Pilgrims can also book flights and hotels directly through the app.

Predictive Tools Behind the Scenes

Beyond the features pilgrims see, the ministry says it is using analytics and predictive modeling to manage the flow of visitors. These systems forecast arrival and departure patterns, analyze crowd movement to anticipate peak times, and help optimize transport routes between the holy sites. The aim is to ease congestion before it builds rather than react to it.

The ministry frames the effort as part of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Guests of Allah Service Program, which sets targets for expanding pilgrim numbers while improving safety and comfort. As the Umrah season continues, these digital tools are becoming central to how first-time and returning pilgrims plan and perform their worship.

Pilgrims looking to make the most of the technology can keep a few points in mind:

  • Download Nusuk before you travel. Set up your account and language settings while you still have time and connectivity.
  • Enable location for the Digital Mutawwif. The automatic counting feature needs location access to track circuits accurately.
  • Check crowd levels first. A quick look at the live congestion data can help you pick a calmer time for Tawaf or Sa'i.
  • Use the AI assistant in your language. For quick questions on rituals or logistics, Nusuk AI is faster than searching through documents.