Riyadh | B | بث
May 15, 2026

Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch the third edition of the “Hajj Health and Security Forum,” organized by the General Directorate of Medical Services at the Ministry of Interior from May 17 to 19, 2026, under the patronage of Interior Minister Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, in a move reflecting the Kingdom’s continued development of the Hajj system through the integration of:
health,
security,
technology,
artificial intelligence,
and crowd management.

The Brief

The forum will host more than 31 experts and leaders, alongside 11 participating entities, through four main sessions and three specialized workshops, in addition to accompanying activities including a hackathon, a TEDx event, and an exhibition showcasing modern solutions and technologies.

The forum focuses on several strategic themes, most notably:

• Digital transformation and crowd management
• Artificial intelligence and data analytics
• Health preparedness and emergency response
• Preventive security and public safety
• Media and communication during Hajj season
• Research, innovation, and institutional partnerships

The forum will also feature specialized sessions discussing:
sustaining excellence in health and security services,
integration among healthcare sectors,
public safety,
environmental sustainability,
and preventive readiness in high-density environments.

One of the most notable themes this year is the integration of artificial intelligence and data analytics as a direct component in supporting health and security decision-making during Hajj, through showcasing smart solutions for risk prediction, faster response times, and advanced crowd management.

The forum will also include the “Hajj Health and Security Hackathon,” focused on developing innovative solutions in:
health preparedness,
operational sustainability,
preventive safety,
and digital transformation.

In addition, the event will host a specialized TEDx session highlighting inspiring initiatives, innovative ideas, and pioneering experiences related to serving pilgrims.

B | بث Analysis

The forum should not be viewed merely as a traditional health or security conference…

but as a miniature model of the future of Hajj management.

Saudi Arabia is moving toward a new operational model built on:
artificial intelligence,
data,
institutional integration,
and real-time crowd management,
within one of the world’s most complex operational environments.

What is particularly striking is that Hajj is no longer managed solely through conventional field services,
but increasingly through:
smart systems,
predictive monitoring,
data analytics,
and real-time coordination among dozens of entities.

At a deeper level,
Saudi Arabia appears not only to be developing a “Hajj season”…

but building an advanced global model for managing high-density temporary cities,
one that could eventually become an international reference in:
health,
security,
crowd management,
and the smart operation of mega-events.