Saudi Arabia outlines steps to improve comfort for Hajj pilgrims

The Zamzam Water Department is providing pilgrims cold Zamzam water around the clock. (SPA)
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Updated 29 May 2024
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Saudi Arabia outlines steps to improve comfort for Hajj pilgrims

  • Sun shields, marble flooring, mist fans among measures to protect worshippers from intense heat 

RIYADH: Authorities in Saudi Arabia have outlined how they are making Hajj as comfortable as possible for pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Press Agency documented the arrival of pilgrims from various nationalities at the Prophet’s Mosque, highlighting the extensive care provided by the the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.
The measures include the provision of cold Zamzam water around the clock.
Managed by the Zamzam Water Department, the operation involves transporting 300 tons of Zamzam water daily from its source in Makkah to the Prophet’s Mosque.
The water undergoes rigorous testing in laboratories and is distributed to thousands of coolers placed throughout the mosque, SPA reported.
The Prophet’s Mosque courtyards are also equipped with 250 large sun shields, which are 15 meters high and weigh 40 tons each, to provide shade and protection for up to 228,000 worshippers.
They feature intricate gold-plated copper designs and are equipped with a water drainage system. To combat the intense heat, 436 mist fans have been installed, which mix cold air with water mist to create a cooler environment for pilgrims.
The floor of the mosque and its courtyards is covered with a rare type of white marble imported specifically for the Two Holy Mosques.

The flooring reflects sunlight and retains moisture, enhancing the comfort of worshippers. The marble pieces are precisely installed facing the Qibla, and are carefully maintained and reinstalled during expansion works.
 


Saudi Arabia emerges as regional leader in government AI

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Saudi Arabia emerges as regional leader in government AI

  • Saudi Arabia also placed seventh globally in the governance pillar and ninth worldwide for public-sector AI adoption

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has topped the Middle East and North Africa in the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index 2025, underlining the Kingdom’s rapid progress in adopting artificial intelligence across government services, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The index, one of the world’s leading benchmarks for artificial intelligence policy and regulatory planning, assesses the ability of 195 governments to deploy and leverage AI in public policy.

It evaluates performance across governance, infrastructure and institutional readiness.

Saudi Arabia also placed seventh globally in the governance pillar and ninth worldwide for public-sector AI adoption, highlighting balanced development across both regulatory frameworks and practical implementation.

The strong showing reflects the maturity of the Kingdom’s national AI ecosystem and its growing role in promoting the responsible use of advanced technologies to improve government efficiency, enhance quality of life and support the objectives of Vision 2030, SPA added.

The achievement comes amid continued backing for the Saudi Data and AI Authority from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also chairman of SDAIA’s board of directors, enabling sustained investment in data-driven capabilities and AI innovation.

The report highlighted Saudi Arabia’s performance in key areas including AI infrastructure, supported by national platforms such as HUMAIN, as well as progress in AI governance, public-sector digital transformation and the development of flexible national policies to accelerate AI adoption.