Saudi Arabia Showcases Hajj 2025 Readiness with 150,000+ Nusuk Cards and Major Medical Shipment

A Model of Hospitality, Innovation, and Care

RIYADH – April 27, 2025
As Hajj 2025 approaches, Saudi Arabia is reaffirming its global leadership in pilgrimage services. With the issuance of over 150,000 Nusuk smart cards and the clearance of a 44-ton medical shipment, the Kingdom is demonstrating a comprehensive approach to both logistical efficiency and healthcare preparedness.

These milestones underscore the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to welcoming pilgrims with excellence — a core value of its Vision 2030 strategy for religious tourism.

Nusuk Cards — Guiding Pilgrims with Confidence

A Smart Solution for Seamless Pilgrimage

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has distributed more than 150,000 Nusuk cards, with the capacity to produce 70,000 cards per day. These smart cards function as digital companions for each pilgrim — containing essential information including identity, accommodation, and service provider details.

Pilgrims can use the card to access transport, lodging, and guided services at the holy sites, enabling smoother coordination and safer movement. Each card is embedded with QR codes and NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to ensure real-time updates and touchless verification.

The initiative also supports multilingual assistance, allowing pilgrims from diverse backgrounds to navigate their experience more comfortably.

Pilgrim Access and Distribution

• International pilgrims receive their cards upon arrival in Saudi Arabia through their official Hajj service providers.
• Domestic pilgrims collect their cards at designated gathering points before the Hajj season.

Nusuk cards are also integrated with the "Nusuk App," allowing pilgrims to manage bookings, schedules, and emergency contact information from their smartphones.

This initiative not only reduces confusion and overcrowding but also reflects Saudi Arabia’s advancement in digital transformation for Hajj operations.

SFDA Clears 44-Ton Medical Shipment for Pilgrims

Equipping Healthcare for the Holy Sites

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has cleared the first shipment of Hajj 2025 medical supplies — totaling 44 tons of essential items. These include emergency kits, medications, and equipment for hospitals and mobile clinics across Makkah, Madinah, Mina, and Arafat.

The shipment also includes mobile cooling units and hydration packs aimed at combating heat exhaustion — a critical risk for pilgrims performing rituals under high temperatures.

Health and Safety Oversight

SFDA teams are actively monitoring all land, air, and sea entry points to ensure safe passage of food and medical goods. Additional inspections are being conducted in pharmaceutical and food establishments serving the Hajj zones, guaranteeing the highest quality and compliance.

More than 300 medical professionals and 80 inspection teams have been deployed to high-traffic areas, ensuring round-the-clock readiness and rapid response in case of emergencies.

This initiative ensures that every pilgrim is supported not only spiritually — but physically, through world-class health safety systems.

Vision 2030 in Action — Enhancing Every Journey

Where Faith Meets Smart Systems

The launch of the Nusuk card and the SFDA’s health preparations are powerful indicators of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation. With every step, the Kingdom is building an environment where faith, safety, and hospitality converge to create an unforgettable pilgrimage experience.

Saudi Arabia is also piloting AI-powered crowd control systems and drone-assisted security monitoring during the Hajj, further strengthening public safety.

By combining technology, compassion, and operational excellence, Saudi Arabia continues to elevate the Hajj journey — welcoming pilgrims from around the world to a land prepared, proud, and deeply rooted in service.