Preparedness for Mass Gatherings: A Simulation-Based Framework for Flow Control and Management Using Crowd Monitoring Data

Abstract

Proactive management at mass gatherings is vital to ensure safe crowd evacuation during emergencies. The increasing number of crowd incidents and casualties during the Hajj season is one of the major concerns for authorities in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to explore and analyze crowd dynamics visiting the Prophet's (PBUH) tomb at the visiting (Ziara) corridor in the Holy Mosque of Madinah under continuous flow conditions. MassMotion was used to optimize the crowd flow rate with density restricted to a safe threshold value for efficient crowd management. A robust regression model has been developed to guide the authorities for the safe and efficient operation of the visiting corridor. The study results showed that the crowd flow beyond 9200 persons/h and waiting time in excess of 42 s in front of Moajha might lead to breakdown condition. The output of this study can be utilized by decision-makers and concerned authorities to take appropriate and timely remedial actions to ensure safe, smooth, and efficient crowd management.