Saudi Arabia turns to drones to shield pilgrims from extreme heat
Published on May 28, 2026
With temperatures hitting 45 degrees Celsius in Makkah this week, Saudi wellbeing labor have increasingly relied on drones to provision a
An illustrative image related to: Saudi Arabia turns to drones to shield pilgrims from extreme heat, highlighting key aspects of the story. | Image source: The Express Tribune
Saudi Arabia turns to drones to shield pilgrims from extreme heat
With temperatures hitting 45 degrees Celsius in Makkah this week, Saudi wellbeing labor have increasingly relied on drones to provision a vast array of medical clinics treating heat-emphasized pilgrims during Haj.
The rituals at Haj have been a constant for centuries.
But technology is rapidly changing the experience for pilgrims and representatives alike — with AI, UAVs and mobile apps providing crucial services, logistical backing and helping manage the mammoth crowds.
Rather than relying on congested roads filled with over 1.5 million pilgrims, drones in particular have proven to be a technological remedy for helping keep the 127 clinics spread across Makkah, Mina and Arafat adequately provisioned.
"The main goal is to provide fast service to the guests of God during the season," Fahd Al-Bathi, the chief operating officer at the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO), informed AFP .
Preparations for the medical needs of the season began nine months ago.
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