Saudi Islamic Ministry introduces 3D Hajj app in Morocco
The app received praise for its comprehensive content and technical capabilities, as well as for providing pilgrims with valuable information related to Hajj and Umrah.
Updated 16 December 2023
Arab News
RABAT: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance presented its 3D Hajj app to visitors at the Jusoor exhibition in Morocco, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Through the app, users can immerse themselves in an augmented-reality experience while learning the ritual steps involved in performing Hajj and Umrah.
A high-quality realistic modeling system is used by the app through smartphones, and its services are interactive and require no internet connection.
It supports the Arabic, English, French and Urdu languages, and one can easily get more information and answers on the app through voice and image.
It is available for download on smart devices including Android and iOS devices, Macs, PCs and Linux systems.
The app received praise for its comprehensive content and technical capabilities, as well as for providing pilgrims with valuable information related to Hajj and Umrah.
Red Sea Global unveils scientific model for regenerative tourism worldwide
The report details the model’s rollout at “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA” destinations, backed by studies covering 8 marine habitats
Updated 5 sec ago
Arab News
TABUK: Red Sea Global (RSG) has unveiled a science-based model aimed at achieving a 30% net positive conservation benefit across its tourism destinations by 2040.
The framework is now available for global adoption, according to a statement released by RSG.
Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Red Sea Global is the multi-project developer behind ambitious regenerative tourism destinations like “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA.”
As a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the company aims to diversify the national economy while setting new global benchmarks for sustainable, nature-positive development.
CEO John Pagano stated that openly sharing this detailed approach will help elevate the global tourism sector and secure a healthier environment for future generations.
Map showing the boundaries of the Red Sea Zone. (Graphic from the RSG report)
The cornerstone of this initiative is the proprietary SIIG Model, a four-step framework:
• Survey: Establish biodiversity baselines and monitor long-term changes.
• Identify: Assess risks to priority habitats and species.
• Intervene: Execute evidence-based actions, such as regulating fishing and enhancing natural habitats.
• Gain: Measure and verify biodiversity improvements.
The report details the model’s rollout at “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA” destinations, backed by extensive 2022–2023 environmental baseline studies covering eight marine habitats and priority species groups during 2022 and 2023.
A major intervention is the 5,015-square-kilometer Fishery Management Area in Al-Wajh Lagoon. The plan reserves 38% of the area for priority conservation—protecting 62% of local coral reefs—while allocating 61% for sustainable fishing.
According to scientific modeling, eliminating fishing in high-protection zones could increase reef fish populations by 113%, sharks and rays by 72%, and marine mammals by 24%. These measures are expected to boost coral resilience, support ecosystem recovery, and protect vulnerable species like sea turtles and seabirds.
Ihab Kindi, RSG’s Red Sea Destination Executive Director, called the data-driven model a practical roadmap for large-scale marine recovery. The complete methodology is available in the new report, “The SIIG Model: A Roadmap Toward Achieving Measurable Conservation Gains.”
