Smart Mobile Features for Hajj: From Pilgrim Challenges to Feasible Solutions

Abstract

The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the largest and most significant religious gatherings in the world, attracting millions of Muslims belonging to various backgrounds, annually to Makkah and Madinah. Despite its spiritual significance, the event poses a range of challenges such as logistical, navigational, communication, and safety etc. Addressing these challenges requires a mobile application consisting of state-of-the-art technological solutions. This study proposes a Delphi-guided methodology to identify, evaluate, and prioritize mobile application features aimed at supporting Hajj pilgrims. The process began by identifying core challenges faced by pilgrims and proposing 15 features along with its mapping with the identified challenges. These features were then evaluated by a panel of nine domain experts across two phases. The first phase assessed the features’ relevance to addressing pilgrim challenges, while the second phase evaluated each feature across four feasibility dimensions: infrastructure, development, regulatory compliance, and environmental suitability. The study presents a validated and prioritized set of mobile application features, offering actionable guidance for developers, policymakers, and Hajj organizers. These findings support the design of a mobile application that can enhance the Hajj experience by improving communication, navigation, safety, and accessibility.