The Saudi Directorate General of Passports has introduced advanced biometric “E-gates” and an AI-powered instant translation system supporting 138 languages across all land, air, and sea routes to facilitate the smooth departure of Hajj pilgrims returning home.
Saudi Arabia launches biometric ‘E-gates’ and 138-language translation system for swift pilgrim repatriation
Khuram Shahzad
Madinah, Jun 08 (APP):The Saudi Directorate General of Passports has introduced advanced biometric “E-gates” and an AI-powered instant translation system supporting 138 languages across all land, air, and sea routes to facilitate the smooth departure of Hajj pilgrims returning home.
The integration of this cutting-edge technology, alongside mobile check-in counters and smart governance measures, aims to eliminate waiting times at international airport passport lounges while providing expedited immigration services directly to elderly and disabled pilgrims.
The official spokesman for the Directorate General of Passports, Major Nasser Al-Otaibi, stated that the newly installed Electronic Gates (E-gates) verify pilgrims’ biometric data within seconds. This automated departure processing has significantly enhanced pedestrian flow and minimized congestion across key travel terminals.
To further enrich the pilgrims’ spiritual journey, immigration desks have been equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) translation devices. These tools bridge linguistic gaps by providing real-time electronic translation in 138 different languages, ensuring high-speed processing for pilgrims of diverse nationalities.
Major Al-Otaibi added that specialized “mobile counter” devices equipped with smart digital solutions are being used to assist elderly and physically challenged pilgrims, allowing them to complete immigration procedures seamlessly at their seats without standing in queues. Trained passport personnel are deployed in around-the-clock shifts to execute these operational plans effectively.
A total of 1,707,301 pilgrims performed Hajj this year, including 1,546,655 international visitors and 160,646 domestic pilgrims, comprising Saudi citizens and foreign residents.
Announcing the official success of the Hajj 2026 season, the Saudi government attributed the seamless execution to an integrated network of security, organization, and advanced digital services that enabled pilgrims to perform their rituals with utmost ease and tranquility.
