As the 1447 AH Umrah season started, Saudi Arabia is committed to improving the experiences of pilgrims. Now, they have launched an awareness campaign on July 23rd, 2025, to introduce the “Rushd” mobile application. This official campaign was initiated in Madinah by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance (MOIA) to raise awareness about the application and to enhance the pilgrimage experience.
With the start of the new Umrah season, the campaign is currently active in Madinah and around its key locations/Ziyarats, but its aim is not just the holy cities. The Ministry will promote its efforts from time to time in every corner of Saudi Arabia, wherever it observes the necessity. Apart from the Rushd perception, the campaign also includes these perspectives:
- Smart safety bracelets for vulnerable pilgrims to help and track.
- Practical implementation of 16 strategic initiatives under the Pilgrim Experience Program for Infrastructure upgrades, crowd management, training programs, and AI-based monitoring.
- Tourism compliance with tougher regulatory standards and measures for accommodations.
- Service centres to assist and support pilgrims in the Prophet’s Mosque courtyards, Madinah.
Why is the Rushd Application being promoted?
Rushd application was released a long time ago, and the Saudi authorities’ aim regarding its promotion is to make pilgrims aware of it. They want to empower Hajj and Umrah experiences with digital tools. Combating misinformation, ritual assistance, and ensuring authentic Islamic guidance is also part of their initiatives.
These measures are part of the General Authority’s broader goals to improve the mosque’s service in the human dimension. Rushd application will become a centralised, easy-to-use, and comprehensive Islamic resource for pilgrims. Additionally, promoting the Rushd application supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program and digital transformation goals.
What is the principle of Umrah visa introduced by Saudi Arabia through the Nusuk Masar app? If you don’t know yet, we have a detailed discussion to help you understand. Why will applicants need to book a hotel at the time of Umrah visa application?
To dive into this detailed discussion, read this: Umrah Visa Requires Hotel Booking via Nusuk Masar
The Features of the Rushd Mobile Application
The Rushd application is the best version in itself, available on both Android and iOS. It provides many features to pilgrims for enhancing their Hajj and Umrah experiences.
- The app is multilingual, meaning it is available in several languages.
- National and international pilgrims can take a step-by-step Hajj and Umrah guide.
- It can provide a compass and augmented reality-based Qiblah direction.
- Praying timings, digital Quran, Tafsir, and Sahih al-Istishhad (for scholarly evidence) are its core features.
- The application also provides a 3D virtual reality guide related to Hajj and Umrah services in multiple languages.
- One of its core features is its Islamic e-library, which draws from multiple sources to educate and assist pilgrims.
Overall, the main purpose of the awareness in the Rushd campaign is to familiarise them with the app services and to improve their spiritual journeys. These digital systems are core parts of Saudi Arabia’s digital success, and approximately 95% of their initiatives are near completion. These activities show how dedicated the Saudi authorities are to serving pilgrims and visitors with efficiency.
