Question
what technological improvements make the sa'ay more comfortable for pilgrims
Answers
GPT-5 mini
Briefly — the Saʿy (walking between Safa and Marwah) has been made much more comfortable by a mix of engineering, environmental-control, accessibility and digital improvements. Key examples:
Physical / infrastructure
- Expanded, wider and multi-level walkways so more people can perform Saʿy at once and congestion is reduced.
- Enclosed corridors with glass walls that protect pilgrims from dust and wind while preserving visibility of the two hills.
- Smooth, non‑slip flooring and gentle ramps to reduce fatigue and trip risk.
Environmental comfort
- Full air‑conditioning and ventilation along the corridor (cooling in hot months).
- Shading, skylights and lighting design to reduce glare and heat.
- Misting/fan systems and plentiful cold‑water taps/fountains along the route.
Accessibility and facilities
- Escalators, elevators and ramps for elderly and mobility‑restricted pilgrims.
- Dedicated wheelchair lanes and availability of wheelchairs/electric carts and attendants.
- More rest areas, seating, toilets, and prayer/ablution facilities placed conveniently.
Crowd management and safety
- Surveillance cameras, people‑counting sensors and control‑room monitoring to detect overcrowding and manage flow.
- Zoning/entrance controls, dedicated entry/exit routes, and timed permit systems when needed to avoid bottlenecks.
- Improved signage, multilingual audio announcements and staff/volunteer networks for directions and crowd control.
Digital and service technologies
- Smartphone apps and digital maps for navigation, waiting‑time updates, and guidance about permitted times/entry points.
- Electronic permits and registration (used to manage Umrah/Hajj flows).
- Real‑time public information screens and multilingual alerts.
Sanitation & maintenance
- Higher frequency automated cleaning and better waste facilities to keep the area hygienic and comfortable.
- Health screening and emergency medical stations nearby.
Personal/portable tech that helps pilgrims
- Portable cooling items (cooling towels, battery fans), hydration packs, and wearable trackers or apps for locating group members.
- Lightweight walking aids and modern breathable footwear/clothing.
Practical tips for pilgrims
- Use official apps and follow gate/permit instructions to avoid crowds.
- Take advantage of wheelchair/assistance services if needed.
- Hydrate, wear breathable shoes and rest at seating areas to reduce strain.
If you’d like, I can list specific services and apps used in recent pilgrimages, or give a short packing checklist for a more comfortable Saʿy.
Physical / infrastructure
- Expanded, wider and multi-level walkways so more people can perform Saʿy at once and congestion is reduced.
- Enclosed corridors with glass walls that protect pilgrims from dust and wind while preserving visibility of the two hills.
- Smooth, non‑slip flooring and gentle ramps to reduce fatigue and trip risk.
Environmental comfort
- Full air‑conditioning and ventilation along the corridor (cooling in hot months).
- Shading, skylights and lighting design to reduce glare and heat.
- Misting/fan systems and plentiful cold‑water taps/fountains along the route.
Accessibility and facilities
- Escalators, elevators and ramps for elderly and mobility‑restricted pilgrims.
- Dedicated wheelchair lanes and availability of wheelchairs/electric carts and attendants.
- More rest areas, seating, toilets, and prayer/ablution facilities placed conveniently.
Crowd management and safety
- Surveillance cameras, people‑counting sensors and control‑room monitoring to detect overcrowding and manage flow.
- Zoning/entrance controls, dedicated entry/exit routes, and timed permit systems when needed to avoid bottlenecks.
- Improved signage, multilingual audio announcements and staff/volunteer networks for directions and crowd control.
Digital and service technologies
- Smartphone apps and digital maps for navigation, waiting‑time updates, and guidance about permitted times/entry points.
- Electronic permits and registration (used to manage Umrah/Hajj flows).
- Real‑time public information screens and multilingual alerts.
Sanitation & maintenance
- Higher frequency automated cleaning and better waste facilities to keep the area hygienic and comfortable.
- Health screening and emergency medical stations nearby.
Personal/portable tech that helps pilgrims
- Portable cooling items (cooling towels, battery fans), hydration packs, and wearable trackers or apps for locating group members.
- Lightweight walking aids and modern breathable footwear/clothing.
Practical tips for pilgrims
- Use official apps and follow gate/permit instructions to avoid crowds.
- Take advantage of wheelchair/assistance services if needed.
- Hydrate, wear breathable shoes and rest at seating areas to reduce strain.
If you’d like, I can list specific services and apps used in recent pilgrimages, or give a short packing checklist for a more comfortable Saʿy.