In a significant stride toward blending faith and innovation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expanded its use of advanced technologies to support millions of pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season. The integration of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) into various aspects of the pilgrimage is helping to ensure rituals are performed with increased ease, safety, and efficiency.
From providing real-time religious guidance to distributing Zamzam water and performing complex surgeries, robots have become a familiar and essential part of the Hajj experience—marking a new chapter in how the holy pilgrimage is conducted.
AI Robot Offers Multilingual Religious Guidance
Among the latest technological advancements is the deployment of the second-generation “Manarat Al-Haramain” robot. Unveiled by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, the robot has been strategically stationed throughout the Grand Mosque and its courtyards.
Designed to provide instant access to fatwa services, the robot responds to religious inquiries both through speech and text in 15 different languages, serving the diverse international community attending Hajj. This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation goals and its commitment to making religious knowledge more accessible.
According to the Presidency, this development underscores the Kingdom’s aim to leverage AI to enhance spiritual communication and enrich the overall pilgrimage experience.
Robotic Surgery Boosts Medical Preparedness
In the medical sector, the Ministry of Health launched a surgical robot at King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, capable of performing advanced procedures in urology, oncology, thoracic, and gastrointestinal surgery.
Introduced by Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel, the robotic system increases surgical precision and shortens patient recovery times—crucial factors during the high-demand Hajj period. The deployment also showcases the skill of Saudi medical teams in operating advanced healthcare technologies.
Contactless Zamzam Water Distribution
Also continuing in 2025 is the use of the Zamzam Water Robot, originally launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure safe and contact-free water distribution. The robot can deliver up to 30 water bottles per 10-minute round and operate continuously for up to eight hours.
Pausing for 20 seconds to distribute each bottle, the robot moves smoothly through the crowds without causing disruption. It has received a patent and CE certification, further validating its safety and efficiency. This innovation highlights the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to modernize services while preserving religious traditions.
Technology Meets Tradition
Saudi Arabia has previously introduced other service robots at the Grand Mosque, including those used for distributing copies of the Qur’an—further evidence of its commitment to combining advanced technology with the spiritual essence of Hajj.
These initiatives align with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, aiming to establish the Kingdom as a leader in smart religious services. By integrating robotics and AI into the sacred pilgrimage, the country continues to enhance the experience for pilgrims from around the globe—making it safer, more efficient, and spiritually rewarding.
