It’s getting impossible to enter Makkah for Hajj without a permit. Saudi Arabia is upping its tech game, and this year, it’s taking to the skies, literally. In a firm move to enforce the “No Hajj Without a Permit” campaign, the Kingdom has deployed drones to sniff out unauthorised pilgrims attempting to enter Makkah. Yes, big brother is flying, and it’s got a 360-degree view.
No Permit, No Pilgrimage: Saudi Arabia Deploys Drones This Hajj Season
This year, Hajj security isn’t limited to the ground. The General Directorate of Public Security has pulled out drones fitted with high-resolution cameras. Don’t expect them to just hover around. These sharp-eyed skywatchers are actively scanning desert trails and city routes to catch vehicles ferrying pilgrims without the mandatory Nusuk Card.
In a newly released video, a drone spots a shady vehicle drifting through a quiet desert patch. Within seconds, the drone relays the vehicle’s exact coordinates to ground patrols, who swoop in and detain the unauthorised group. It’s efficient, clinical, and leaves little room for loopholes.
Officials aren’t bluffing when they say these actions would result in serious consequences. They’ve made it abundantly clear: no permit, no entry.
Drones Spot Violators In Real-Time
The Hajj season brings in millions, and with that comes the daunting task of crowd control, safety, and logistical precision. While millions prepare months in advance, securing their documentation and permits, a growing number of hopefuls still attempt to bypass the system. That’s where this tech-savvy approach comes in.
Saudi Arabia’s campaign isn’t just about catching violators. The sight of drones monitoring highways, desert tracks, and urban entry points sends a very public message: you’re being watched. But it’s not just the pilgrims being targeted. Authorities are cracking down on facilitators too. Those who transport or hide undocumented pilgrims. And let’s be honest, no one wants to be the guy who gets arrested for sending people into Makkah illegally during one of the world’s holiest pilgrimages.
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Drawing The Line Between Devotion and Discipline
Saudi Arabia’s stance is rooted in safety, not exclusion. The Hajj is a deeply spiritual journey, but it also demands careful management. Overcrowding, mismanagement, or undocumented entries can trigger logistical nightmares and real danger. By enforcing strict permit rules and combining them with cutting-edge surveillance, the Kingdom is aiming for a secure, seamless pilgrimage for all. With millions converging on a single city, there’s no room for disorganisation.
So, if you’re planning to perform Hajj this year, you’d better have your Nusuk Card ready. Because without that permit, you definitely won’t get past the drones.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images
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