Hamza Oza

Rehber is a system that helps families locate their loved ones during the five key days of Hajj using a wearable device and a supporting service.

Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and surrounding areas that must be conducted by all adult Muslims at least once in their lifetime provided they are physically, mentally and financially able to do so.

In 2017, 2.35 million Muslims undertook the pilgrimage and it is predicted to reach 8 million people per year by 2030. The movement of a large body of people creates many design and engineering challenges including tragedies such as fires, trampling and stampedes. Rehber is aimed at international pilgrims who are more likely to get lost such as children (2-10 years old) or the elderly (65+).

The project brings together established technologies in a unique package and context to deliver impactful innovation to enhance the pilgrims’ experience. Rehber was developed through extensive human-centred research using a religious & cultural lens, technological development and user validation & testing by engaging with stakeholders ranging from the individual pilgrim to Hajj ministries.

The key advantage is that the system does not use mobile networks or rely on pairing to a smartphone making it easy for target demographics to operate. Location data obtained through the wearable means fewer resources are required than the current system to locate and retrieve lost pilgrims. Thus, making the process more efficient by removing ambiguity and bringing clarity. This will give pilgrims a safer Hajj experience and peace of mind to locate their loved ones, should they get separated.

Rehber has applications for other pilgrimages including Arba’een in Iraq where up to 20 million people gather each year. It can be expanded to other open field events such as Glastonbury or Formula 1 where participants are spread over a fixed area.