Saudi AI system enhances Hajj security, management

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Sawaher was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and uses data and AI technology. (SPA)
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Sawaher was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and uses data and AI technology. (SPA)
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Sawaher was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and uses data and AI technology. (SPA)
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Sawaher was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and uses data and AI technology. (SPA)
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Updated 06 June 2025
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Saudi AI system enhances Hajj security, management

MAKKAH: The Saudi Data and AI Authority has supported government efforts for this year’s Hajj season through its Sawaher system, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

Sawaher was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and uses data and AI technology to analyze broadcasts, video recordings, and images captured by smart cameras.

The initiative enhances analytical capabilities and contributes to a safer Hajj experience, the SPA reported.

The system helps manage and analyze large datasets and produces tailored analysis of pilgrims’ behavior. It “uses advanced algorithms for density and crowd counting, supporting government agencies in implementing Hajj plans and estimating pilgrim numbers.” The system also provides real-time updates.

For Hajj, more than 5,000 cameras have been integrated into the Sawaher system, covering more than 80 permanent and seasonal locations across the holy sites and key entry points.

This network supports the work of 18 government agencies and more than 600 personnel, according to the SPA.

The system offers more than 80 services and is operable on 100 workstations in operations rooms and monitoring centers, contributing to improved response efficiency during the Hajj season.


Noor Riyadh 2025 draws more than 7 million visitors, wins 12 global awards

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Noor Riyadh 2025 draws more than 7 million visitors, wins 12 global awards

  • Organized under the Riyadh Art programme of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the festival showcased 60 artworks by 59 local and international artists from 24 countries

RIYADH: The Noor Riyadh 2025 festival concluded its fifth edition on Saturday after attracting more than seven million visitors and securing 12 international cultural awards, reinforcing its status as the world’s largest light art festival.

Organized under the Riyadh Art programme of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the festival showcased 60 artworks by 59 local and international artists from 24 countries. 

This year’s edition was held under the theme “In the Blink of an Eye” and featured installations across six locations in the capital, including the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Qasr Al-Hokm District, JAX District, Al-Faisaliah Tower and the King Abdullah Financial District.

Noor Riyadh received a series of global honors, including LIT Lighting Design Awards, Muse Design Awards, New York Architecture Awards and TITAN Awards. 

It also set four Guinness World Records, recognising the largest moving water-based art installation, the largest illuminated emoji, the largest artificial intelligence–powered projection mapping on a building, and the largest 3D-printed mural artwork, according to organizers.

Khaled bin Abdullah Al-Hazani, vice president of the Lifestyle Sector at the RCRC, said the festival highlighted the role of art in enhancing the urban landscape and strengthening Riyadh’s position as a global cultural destination.

The event also featured an expanded community engagement programme, with workshops, panel discussions, family activities and guided tours attracting tens of thousands of participants.

Noor Riyadh forms part of the Riyadh Art program’s wider vision to transform the Saudi capital into an open-air art gallery, with upcoming initiatives including Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026, scheduled to launch early next year.