Iraq upgrades smart services for Arbaeen pilgrimage preparations

KARBALA, Iraq (MNTV) — Iraqi authorities have introduced new digital services and infrastructure projects as part of preparations for the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage, aiming to improve safety, transportation and crowd management for millions of visitors expected to travel to Karbala.

A unified smart platform developed by Iraq’s holy shrines has been launched to help locate missing pilgrims and reunite individuals who become separated from their groups during the pilgrimage.

The integrated system links computer networks across major holy sites, allowing officials to quickly track and assist pilgrims throughout religious cities and shrine areas. Authorities said the service will remain active for the entire Arbaeen season.

At the same time, the Karbala provincial government has completed several urban development projects and designated new service areas to better organize the movement of pilgrims entering the city.

Officials said the new routes and facilities are intended to ease traffic congestion, expand the city’s capacity to accommodate visitors and improve access at key entry points.

The measures form part of Iraq’s broader preparations for Arbaeen, one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings, with authorities working to strengthen transport networks, public services and safety arrangements ahead of the pilgrimage.