Smart tech smooths the way for Hajj pilgrims

In collaboration with the Saudi Data and Artificial AI Authority, the Ministry of Interior is utilizing latest artificial intelligence in managing crowds during Hajj season. (AN Photo: Abdulrahman Alshalhoub)
Short Url
Updated 28 June 2023
Follow

Smart tech smooths the way for Hajj pilgrims

  • Ministry of Interior utilizes AI to ensure safe and efficient movement of pilgrims and vehicles during Hajj

MUZDALIFAH: Saudi authorities have turned to artificial intelligence to help manage and monitor crowds during the 2023 Hajj season.

In collaboration with the Saudi Data and Artificial AI Authority, the Ministry of Interior is utilizing AI to ensure safe and efficient movement of pilgrims and vehicles during Hajj.

A Twitter post by the MoI showed how the ministry and SDAIA are making use of modern technology to monitor the movement of pilgrims within Makkah and its holy sites.

 

 

Technology being exploited includes the Sawaher and Baseer portals, which ensure security control at Makkah entry points. The technology also includes an advanced data analysis application.

The portals and the application, in addition to AI-driven surveillance cameras, also aim to monitor the pilgrims movement and control the mass management process.

Smart technology ensures a smooth and secure Hajj season in support of one of the Saudi Vision 2030 programs, which aims to enhance the pilgrims’ experience.


Saudi Arabia announces new financial support to the Yemeni government

Updated 14 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia announces new financial support to the Yemeni government

Saudi Ambassador to Yemen and Supervisor of the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber announced that the Kingdom, under the directives of its leadership, has provided new support to the Yemeni government's budget, aimed at paying the salaries of state employees in all sectors.

In a post on X, Al-Jaber stated that this support complements a package of development projects and initiatives, amounting to SR1.9 billion, announced on Wednesday. The package includes provision of necessary petroleum derivatives to operate power plants, which will contribute to improving the living standards of people in Yemen and alleviating daily burdens on them.

Al Jaber’s post emphasized, in particular, that all salaries of military and security forces linked to the the higher military committee linked to the Saudi led Coalition will be paid as of Sunday. 

The post is likely relate to Several Media reports which have suggested that disgraced former Southern Transitional Council (STC) chief Aidaroos Al Zubaidi — who has now fled Yemen — was taking advantage of military personnel and withholding salaries as means of pressure. Al Zubaidi is wanted by the Yemeni government for acts of high treason and corruption. 

The ambassador emphasized that these steps come within the framework of supporting the Yemeni government's efforts to implement the economic reform program, which aims to achieve financial and economic stability and enhance the state's ability to meet its basic obligations.