JAKARTA – Following a devastating 2015 incident at Masjidil Haram that claimed hundreds of lives, Saudi Arabia has introduced advanced safety measures for hajj pilgrims, combining electronic tracking bracelets with extensive surveillance technology.

The 2015 tragedy occurred when massive crowds converged at a single intersection, creating extreme congestion that overwhelmed crowd management systems. The disaster left deep scars across the global Muslim community and prompted Saudi authorities to completely reimagine pilgrim safety protocols.

Revolutionary Safety Technology

In response to the crisis, Saudi Arabia introduced electronic bracelets (e-bracelets) in 2016, marking a turning point in hajj management. These devices store crucial pilgrim information including names, birth dates, ages, accommodation details, medical records, passport data, and other vital information that enables authorities to quickly identify and assist pilgrims in need.

As preparations advance for Hajj 2026, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah alongside Masjidil Haram management have significantly enhanced these bracelets with expanded capabilities.

Enhanced Features for 2026

The upgraded electronic bracelets go far beyond simple identification. They now include prayer time reminders and multilingual guidance services to help non-Arabic speaking pilgrims navigate hajj rituals more easily. Perhaps most importantly, the bracelets incorporate GPS tracking systems that allow lost or disoriented pilgrims to be located swiftly.

Privacy protections remain paramount in the system’s design. Personal data stored on the bracelets can only be accessed by official authorities and service personnel for identification purposes, medical emergencies, or coordinating assistance.

Comprehensive Surveillance Network

Complementing the bracelet technology, nearly 1,000 new surveillance cameras have been installed throughout Masjidil Haram. These cameras connect to a specialized control room staffed by dedicated security forces who monitor pilgrim movements in real time.

This extensive camera network serves multiple strategic purposes: managing crowd flow, detecting potential hazards before they escalate, and facilitating rapid emergency response coordination if incidents occur.

New Era of Digital Hajj Management

The combination of intelligent wearable technology and comprehensive video monitoring represents Saudi Arabia’s commitment to digital-era hajj administration. The integrated system delivers accuracy, organization, and unprecedented oversight of pilgrim safety.

For the millions of pilgrims expected during Hajj 2026, these innovations promise more than administrative efficiency. They represent tangible improvements in safety, comfort, and spiritual peace of mind during worship at Islam’s holiest site.

Saudi Arabia’s substantial investment in these technologies demonstrates its determination to prevent past tragedies while ensuring each hajj season operates more safely, orderly, and efficiently for the global Muslim community.

Original Article:

Popbela. (2025, December 10). Cegah Tragedi, Arab Saudi Pantau Jemaah Haji dengan Gelang Elektronik. Retrieved from https://www.popbela.com/lifestyle/news/cegah-tragedi-arab-saudi-pantau-jemaah-haji-dengan-gelang-elektronik-00-ytzqx-p34nj0