MAKKAH: As Saudi Arabia continues preparations for the upcoming Hajj season, a new innovation is being introduced to assist pilgrims: an AI-powered robot designed to merge Islamic tradition with cutting-edge technology.
The initiative aims to improve the spiritual journey for worshippers attending the annual pilgrimage.
The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque unveiled the second-generation Manarat Al-Haramain Robot on Wednesday.
This high-tech helper is designed to serve as a source of religious guidance within the Grand Mosque by allowing pilgrims and visitors to connect via video calls directly with Islamic scholars, or muftis, for answers to their questions.
The robot features upgraded software and a new design inspired by the architectural beauty of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
Its aesthetic combines Islamic heritage with modern innovation, offering users a blend of authenticity and convenience.
The goal is to make religious information more accessible and enhance the overall experience for pilgrims during one of the most sacred moments of their lives.
The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is expected to begin on June 4 and end on June 9 this year.
Muslims from around the world have already begun arriving in the Kingdom to perform the rite, which is mandatory at least once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able.
With the launch of this AI-powered robot, Saudi authorities continue to demonstrate how advanced technologies can be thoughtfully integrated into religious practices, providing support and guidance in a way that respects tradition while embracing the future.
