Saudi Arabia Issues First Permit for Drone-Based Medical Deliveries During Hajj

General Authority of Civil Aviation has announced the issuance of the Kingdom’s first operational permit for drone-based delivery of medicines and medical supplies during the Hajj season.

The permit was granted to Terra Drone Arabia to operate within the holy sites in Makkah during Hajj 1447H, marking another major step in Saudi Arabia’s adoption of advanced technologies to improve services for pilgrims.

The initiative aims to accelerate the transportation of medicines and medical logistics across the holy sites while enhancing emergency response speed under high safety and operational efficiency standards.

Officials said the move builds on previous pilot operations conducted during past Hajj seasons, where drones were tested for medical and logistics services, helping develop the operational and regulatory frameworks required for full deployment.

Saudi Arabia continues expanding the use of smart technologies and artificial intelligence in Hajj operations as part of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s aviation sector development strategy, aimed at improving service quality and operational readiness for millions of pilgrims.