Saudi Arabia has introduced a new digital service that enables Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to activate eSIM cards instantly upon arrival, streamlining mobile connectivity and reducing logistical barriers for millions of religious visitors. The service allows pilgrims to obtain and activate eSIMs directly through participating telecom providers’ mobile applications, without the need to purchase physical SIM cards or visit service counters.
Led by CST and Integrated with Digital Identity Platforms
The initiative is coordinated by the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and licensed mobile operators. It leverages the government’s Absher platform to verify users’ digital identities and conduct biometric authentication, ensuring secure activation of eSIM profiles through facial recognition and integrated database checks.
In addition to on-arrival activation, pilgrims are also able to request and set up their eSIMs before traveling to Saudi Arabia. Final activation is completed upon arrival through biometric verification, which helps minimize congestion and streamline entry procedures. Technical infrastructure supporting this system has been deployed at key entry points, including King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port, where biometric stations and secure communication hubs help process incoming travelers efficiently.
Part of a Broader Digital Transformation Strategy
The eSIM system is part of a wider digital ecosystem designed to enhance the pilgrimage experience under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy. It is fully integrated with national apps such as Tawakkalna and the Nusuk platform, both of which provide a wide range of digital services. Through these platforms, pilgrims can access digital permits, real-time alerts, health updates, multilingual assistance, and itinerary planning features. The Makkah Entry Permit Portal works in tandem with these apps to regulate access to the holy sites.
Additional initiatives for the 2025 Hajj season include the “Road to Makkah” program, which expedites immigration procedures for pilgrims departing from select countries, and the deployment of AI-powered crowd monitoring platforms such as Baseer and Sawaher. These systems provide real-time data to help authorities manage crowd density, transportation, and emergency response throughout the pilgrimage.
The Nusuk platform, operated by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, also plays a critical role in improving transparency. It facilitates secure bookings, eliminates the need for third-party agents, and ensures equitable distribution of pilgrimage packages to both domestic and international participants.
The launch of the eSIM activation service reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to digital innovation, combining identity technology, biometric verification, and smart services to improve both security and user experience. With digital platforms now integrated across nearly every aspect of the pilgrimage journey, Saudi authorities aim to provide a seamless, transparent, and technology-enhanced experience for all participants.
Sources: Saudi Gazette, The Islamic Information, KSA Moments
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May 22, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team
