Saudi authorities have activated simultaneous translation services in 17 languages at Islam’s two holiest mosques as part of a broader digital transformation drive aimed at improving services for millions of pilgrims arriving for Hajj 2026.
The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah announced the initiative on Saturday, saying the system uses advanced audio technology, artificial intelligence and text-processing tools to provide instant religious guidance and translations for visitors from around the world.
According to the presidency, the programme will help pilgrims receive answers to religious inquiries and access awareness material in their native languages with greater ease and accuracy.
“This tech-driven initiative is part of the presidency’s digital transformation efforts to elevate the quality of religious services during the Hajj season,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi officials said the system aims to “deliver the moderate message of the Two Holy Mosques to a global audience” while ensuring that international pilgrims can easily access essential guidance services during their stay.
AI and Digital Services Expand During Hajj
Saudi Arabia has increasingly integrated technology into Hajj operations in recent years as the kingdom prepares to host growing numbers of pilgrims under its Vision 2030 modernisation strategy.
Authorities have already introduced smart cards for pilgrims, AI-based crowd management systems, digital navigation services and multilingual mobile applications to improve safety and organisation during the annual pilgrimage.
Read More: Saudi Arabia Introduces New Routes and Rules for Hajj 2026
The simultaneous translation initiative now adds another layer to those efforts, particularly for pilgrims who struggle with language barriers while seeking religious guidance inside the holy mosques.
Officials say the technology can instantly translate sermons, fatwas and educational material into multiple languages, helping pilgrims understand instructions more clearly during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
Saudi Arabia hosts millions of Muslims each year for Hajj and Umrah. Pilgrims arrive from more than 180 countries, making multilingual communication a major logistical challenge for authorities.
The Kingdom has significantly expanded digital infrastructure around the holy sites in recent years, including high-speed internet services, smart surveillance systems and AI-assisted crowd monitoring tools designed to improve pilgrim safety.
Focus on Pilgrim Convenience and Safety
Saudi officials continue to emphasise technology-driven solutions to manage increasing crowds and improve the overall pilgrimage experience.
Earlier this week, the Saudi Ministry of Interior issued detailed guidance for pilgrims regarding movement routes around the Grand Mosque, Tawaf and Sa’i areas, transport management and crowd safety measures.
Authorities also urged pilgrims to wear masks during crowded periods and comply fully with Hajj regulations.
The presidency said the new translation system supports those wider efforts by allowing pilgrims to receive instructions and religious guidance quickly in their preferred languages.
Analysts say Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in AI and digital religious services reflects the kingdom’s ambition to modernise pilgrimage operations while maintaining the spiritual significance of the holy sites.
The launch also highlights how emerging technologies are reshaping the management of large-scale religious gatherings globally.
