Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha conducted a field inspection of the readiness of telecommunications companies and digital infrastructure in Makkah and the holy sites for the 1447 AH Hajj season, as part of the Kingdom's preparations to deliver an exceptional, safe, and seamless Hajj experience for pilgrims.
During the tour, he reviewed the integration of technical and operational efforts led by the digital economy and technology ecosystem, in partnership with the public and private sectors, to enhance the reliability of digital services and enable government and service entities to deliver proactive services through the deployment of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in serving pilgrims.
The tour included visits to the sites of several national telecommunications and technology companies to assess network performance, operational and emergency plans, and mechanisms for ensuring service continuity at high-density locations within the holy sites, enhancing the efficiency of digital connectivity and the quality of the pilgrim experience.
The minister affirmed that this readiness is the result of the leadership's support, empowerment, and constant commitment to mobilizing all capabilities in the service of pilgrims. He also commended the vital role of national companies in enhancing communications reliability, supporting high-efficiency digital connectivity, and enabling various entities to deliver distinctive and exceptional services during the Hajj season.
The digital infrastructure in Makkah, the holy sites, and Madinah has seen continuous development in preparation for the 1447 AH Hajj season.
The number of telecommunications towers exceeded 5,230, a growth rate of 2.55% compared to last year, while more than 2,000 kilometers of fiber optic network were extended within the holy sites, bringing the total to 31,000 kilometers—an increase of 7.4% over the previous year.
Full 100% coverage was achieved across the holy sites, with more than 4,200 personnel assigned to the technical workforce operating during the Hajj season.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), represented by the Center of Digital Entrepreneurship (CODE), has launched the Hajj and Umrah Tech Challenge program to empower entrepreneurs and innovators to develop pioneering digital solutions that contribute to advancing Hajj and Umrah services, enriching the experience of pilgrims, and leveraging advanced technologies to support the transition to the intelligent era.
The challenge focuses on three main tracks: smart crowd management technologies, pilgrim experience technologies, and language and communication technologies. The program enables participants to develop solutions that enhance service efficiency, facilitate the pilgrim journey, and strengthen effective communication among relevant entities and beneficiaries.
The program aims to empower more than 85 participants, develop over 30 prototypes, and deliver more than 30 training programs and mentorship sessions through an integrated journey that begins with registration and participant selection, followed by a business model development week, a training bootcamp, technical support, mentorship, and ongoing follow-up, leading to the judging day and closing ceremony, during which three winning projects will be announced.
The challenge offers participants several advantages, including support in building business models, access to relevant Hajj and Umrah sector entities, collaboration with specialized mentors, advanced training in Hajj and Umrah technologies, and exposure to the latest technology trends and future opportunities in the sector.
The Hajj and Umrah Tech Challenge program comes as an extension of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s efforts to empower entrepreneurs and national talent, stimulate innovative entrepreneurial solutions, and expand the impact of advanced technologies in serving pilgrims, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global model for developing human-centered digital solutions.
The ministry invited entrepreneurs, innovators, and interested participants to register for the challenge by visiting the CODE website: https://code.mcit.gov.sa/ar/bootcamp/HajjUmrahTech-Challenge.

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha visited Salla and Classera in Jeddah as part of the ministry’s efforts to support the growth of national technology companies and enable smart solutions for vital sectors and Hajj and Umrah services.
 During his visit to Salla, he discussed opportunities to support digital commerce, empower company and enterprise growth, and develop smart solutions that enhance user experience and support the digital economy.
 He also reviewed Classera’s smart education and digital capability-building solutions, as well as the company’s role in fostering innovation and developing educational and technological models that contribute to future skills development.
 The minister also witnessed the signing of an agreement between Classera and Zain KSA to provide integrated smart educational solutions aimed at developing more interactive and innovative digital learning environments.