Satellites and AI Automate Environmental Monitoring Across Hajj Holy Sites

The National Center for Environmental Compliance, partnering with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, deployed satellite imagery and artificial intelligence for the first time during the 1447 AH Hajj season to enhance environmental monitoring in Makkah and the holy sites.

 By pairing daily satellite feeds with AI modeling software, the system enables early detection of environmental changes, mapping extensive geographic areas to alert field squads of violations before they impact pilgrim health.

 According to the center, over 50% of the season's environmental alerts were generated directly by this program, which analyzed 176 satellite images across 31 locations. This space-based infrastructure allows teams to continuously monitor valleys, trace waste disposal trucks to designated destinations, and execute proactive, real-time interventions to protect the holy sites.