Saudi Arabia Deploys Drones to Curb Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has launched drone surveillance in Makkah to deter unauthorized Hajj pilgrims, arresting hundreds daily for lacking official permits, News.az reported. Among those detained were Indonesians linked to a fake permit scheme, with 14 additional arrests made during raids.

Concurrently, the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) installed 20 e-gates at Medina’s Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport to expedite entry for legitimate pilgrims. Over 30 advanced passport scanners were also deployed, with on-site SDAIA teams ensuring seamless operation.

Authorities emphasize the dual focus: stringent enforcement against illegal pilgrims and AI-driven efficiency for authorized travelers. The drones, part of broader Hajj security measures, target overcrowding and visa violations.