Agent-Based Simulation Framework for Epidemic Forecasting during Hajj Seasons in Saudi Arabia

The religious pilgrimage of Hajj is one the largest annual gatherings in world. Every year approximately three million pilgrims travel from all over world to perform Mecca Saudi Arabia. high population density confined settings throughout rituals can facilitate infectious disease transmission among and their contacts. Infected may enter without being detected potentially transmit other pilgrims. Upon returning home, infected international introduce into home countries, causing a further spread disease. Computational modeling simulation social mixing between enhance prevention potential epidemics. epidemic models help public health authorities predict risk outbreaks implement necessary intervention measures before or during season. In this study, we proposed conceptual agent-based framework that integrates simulate season arrival departure. forecasting system provides phases following actual sequence capture assess impact each stage on dynamics. also be used evaluate effectiveness different interventions implemented Hajj, including size restriction screening at entry points.