Saudi Arabia Deploys Drones and Helicopters to Deliver Medical Supplies Directly to Hajj Pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has officially launched drone and helicopter-based medical supply delivery to reach pilgrims in real time—especially in emergency situations and congested areas.

The move was confirmed by the Saudi Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) and emergency response teams.

For the first time, medicines, first aid, defibrillators, and essential health equipment will be dispatched via autonomous drones or airlifted by helicopters to pilgrims wherever they are—whether in Mina, Arafat, or Muzdalifah—without waiting for ambulances or medical staff to battle through crowded roads.

The drones have been programmed with geo-tracking systems to navigate through designated Hajj zones. Each delivery unit is equipped to carry up to several kilograms of life-saving supplies and can be guided remotely by emergency teams monitoring real-time patient needs.

Helicopter units will also be on standby for larger-scale airlifts and critical medical evacuations, supported by field hospitals and mobile health teams spread across the holy sites.

Officials believe the technology will reduce emergency response time dramatically, especially in places where human or vehicle access is restricted due to large crowds.

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