Robot distributes copies of Qur’an to Hajj pilgrims as they perform farewell Tawaf
Tawaf Al-Wida is performed before a pilgrim departs from Makkah and is an obligatory ritual
Pilgrims are stoning the pillars at the Jamarat Bridge for a final time on Monday
Updated 11 July 2022
Arab News
RIYADH: A robot is distributing copies of the Qur’an to pilgrims performing their final Hajj ritual before leaving Makkah, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques reported on Monday.
Tawaf Al-Wida is performed before a pilgrim departs from Makkah and is an obligatory ritual.
Sheikh Badr bin Abdullah Al-Furaih, the presidency’s deputy president for guidance affairs, explained that the robot uses a dual automatic navigation system and has a three-dimensional sensor to avoid collision with barriers and people.
The robot weighs 59 kg and can carry up to 40kg. Its speed, which can be controlled, varies between 0.5-1.2/s, and its dimensions are 565x537x1290 mm.
Al-Furaih said that the use of technology, modern applications, and artificial intelligence is one of the priorities of the head of the presidency Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais.
Pilgrims are stoning the pillars at the Jamarat Bridge for a final time on Monday before returning to the Grand Mosque where they will perform Tawaf Al-Wida.
Celestial spectacle in Saudi Arabia’s north on first day of Ramadan
Venus-crescent moon alignment visible over Northern Borders Region skies
Meteorology Center completes operational plan for the holy month
Updated 19 February 2026
Arab News
ARAR/JEDDAH: The holy month of Ramadan has commenced in Saudi Arabia with a striking astronomical display in the Northern Borders Region, setting a serene tone for the month as meteorological authorities confirmed full readiness to support pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
On Tuesday evening, the skies over Arar witnessed a rare alignment as the planet Venus paired with the slender crescent moon marking the first day of Ramadan. Appearing shortly after sunset, the crescent shimmered low on the western horizon above Venus — one of the brightest celestial bodies — in a display enhanced by clear skies.
While the conjunction is a recurring astronomical phenomenon caused by the apparent proximity of the two bodies as viewed from Earth, its coincidence with the start of the holy month added a special aesthetic and spiritual dimension to the atmosphere in the north, SPA said.
Meteorological readiness
As the faithful began their fasting, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) announced the completion of its operational and technical preparations for Ramadan 1447 AH.
The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety. (SPA)
NCM Chief Executive Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam confirmed that the center has finalized a comprehensive plan to ensure round-the-clock weather monitoring for Makkah, Madinah, and the roads leading to the Two Holy Mosques. The initiative aims to provide accurate forecasting to enhance the safety and comfort of the influx of visitors and Umrah pilgrims.
The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety.
To ensure pilgrims have real-time access to information, the NCM has integrated its data with the "Nusuk" and "Tawakkalna" smart applications. Ten-day extended forecasts and real-time alerts will also be available via the "Anwaa" app and displayed on guidance boards along highways.
The center has mobilized 14 media platforms to deliver swift weather alerts, ensuring high standards of security and logistical support throughout the season.
