Internet usage surges in Makkah as pilgrims perform Hajj

For this year's Hajj, the CST doubled its infrastructure preparations and installed thousands of internet towers. (AFP/File)
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Updated 28 June 2023
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Internet usage surges in Makkah as pilgrims perform Hajj

  • Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube lead the digital charge

LONDON: The Communications, Space and Technology Commission revealed that the demand for data in Makkah and the holy sites has surged during Hajj.

The Saudi government agency reported that Internet usage reached 4,601 terabytes or the equivalent of 1.89 million hours of 1080p videos, with social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube leading the digital charge.

The commission’s latest statistics show that the average person in Makkah uses 785 megabytes of internet data per day, which is nearly three times the global average of 270 MB.

It also reported that the average mobile internet download and upload speeds have hit 197.5 MB per second and 27.5 MG per second, respectively, sitting well above the global average.

This showcases the Kingdom’s robust infrastructure, designed to keep pilgrims connected with their loved ones as they perform the sacred Hajj rituals.

To meet the expected surge in demand from Hajj pilgrims, whose numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels this year, the CST doubled its infrastructure preparations and installed thousands of internet towers, including 5G towers, to provide seamless connectivity to travelers.


Media ministry’s Konoz wins 6 gold awards

The AVA Digital Awards are among the most prestigious international awards, established in the US nearly 19 years ago. (@KonozSA
Updated 23 January 2026
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Media ministry’s Konoz wins 6 gold awards

  • “The Destination” showcases the developments witnessed in Saudi Arabia over the past few years across political, economic, medical, sports, cultural, media and artistic fields

RIYADH: The Konoz Saudi Arabia initiative, one of the Ministry of Media’s programs, achieved a global milestone by winning six gold awards at the AVA Digital Awards for its documentary film “The Destination.”

Awards were given for documentary, film, editing, informational, cinematography and directing.

With the achievement, the film’s total awards since its release have risen to 13, in addition to receiving three international commendations, bringing the initiative’s overall tally to more than 50 local and international awards.

“The Destination” showcases the developments witnessed in Saudi Arabia over the past few years across political, economic, medical, sports, cultural, media and artistic fields. The film highlights the steady and accelerated steps toward realizing Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s transformation into a global destination.

The documentary is currently available on the Shahid and stc tv platforms, in addition to being screened onboard Saudia flights. It combines creative footage drawn from trusted media sources covering events across the Kingdom with exclusive interviews featuring experts and specialists in the fields addressed by the film.

To date, the documentary has surpassed 10 million views across various platforms.

The AVA Digital Awards are among the most prestigious international awards, established in the US nearly 19 years ago. The awards aim to honor excellence in planning, directing, design and production across digital campaigns, audio and video production, website development, and social-media marketing and engagement.