The Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2026, held at Jeddah Superdome, presented 20 shortlisted projects from the Future of Hajj Innovations Camp, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The projects aim to improve services for pilgrims and raise the efficiency of operational processes and crowd management by drawing on modern technologies and artificial intelligence.
The shortlisted entries were distributed across five tracks: the pilgrim experience and services; smart operations and crowd management; the pilgrim journey after completing the rituals; sustainability and resource efficiency; and awareness and training. Their selection followed seven training days delivered in two phases, during which nine innovation challenges were addressed.
Among the solutions on display were systems for organising catering services and luggage storage, easing pilgrim movement within the holy sites, monitoring health cases and tracking heat stress indicators, alongside tools to strengthen field support and communicate with pilgrims in their different languages. Other projects tackled waste management and more efficient use of resources, documentation of field inspection operations, and the development of training programmes for Hajj workers and their professional readiness.
The organisers said the qualifying projects are intended to deliver solutions that can be scaled and applied, contributing to a better experience for pilgrims and to higher service quality and efficiency across the Hajj system.