Smart Technologies for Crowd Management and Transportation of Pilgrims during Hajj: A Comprehensive Survey

v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} Normal 0 false false false false EN-GB X-NONE AR-SA /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-font-kerning:1.0pt; mso-ligatures:standardcontextual; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;} Purpose: This study aims to review the integration of transportation systems and emerging smart technologies that enhance crowd management and mobility during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. It seeks to provide a unified understanding of how modern digital tools and transport strategies contribute to safer and more efficient mass pilgrim movements. Design/methodology/approach: The study synthesizes two decades of research (2000–2025) on transportation operations, digital communication systems, and artificial intelligence applications in large-scale events. A structured literature review approach was adopted, drawing from IEEE Xplore, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases, with emphasis on studies addressing IoT, RFID, AI, computer vision, simulation frameworks, and transportation logistics. Findings: The review highlights that smart technologies, particularly IoT, RFID, AI, and computer vision, have significantly enhanced real-time monitoring, safety, and operational efficiency during Hajj. It also identifies advancements in shuttle bus networks, BRT systems, metro services, and pedestrian flow modeling that have improved mobility and reduced congestion. However, challenges remain regarding interoperability, large-scale data integration, and the deployment of predictive systems across all operational stages. Originality/Value: This paper provides the first comprehensive synthesis that connects transportation systems and smart crowd management technologies within the context of Saudi Vision 2030. By bridging the gap between mobility planning and digital innovation, it offers policymakers, researchers, and practitioners valuable insights for designing sustainable, data-driven, and intelligent crowd management solutions for Hajj and similar large-scale events.