
Pilgrims safely transported to Arafat under streamlined hajj plan
06 Jun 2025 08:55am
ARAFAH - A drone image by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) captured thousands of pilgrims from around the world gathered at Jabal al-Rahmah during the wukuf in Arafah. Photo by Bernama
ARAFAT- Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the successful execution of the pilgrim dispatching plan to Arafat, which began at dawn on 9 Dhu al-Hijjah, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
This year's operation was implemented under a unified model integrating service and regulatory agencies through a central dispatching and joint operations centre.
The movement of pilgrims was carried out via buses and trains, adhering to strict timetables, with close field monitoring and heightened security ensuring smooth traffic flow and efficient distribution to Arafat camps without major congestion.
The plan incorporated pre-simulation exercises to anticipate various scenarios, as well as readiness of field teams and close coordination among relevant agencies.
Artificial intelligence played a crucial role by analysing real-time data to identify areas of high density and enabling dynamic redirection of crowds when needed.
A 24-hour monitoring and control centre, equipped with smart cameras linked to a central system, supported immediate decision-making in collaboration with security and service agencies.
The digital Nusuk Card also contributed to the plan's efficiency by integrating with the Nusuk and Tawakkalna platforms, using a unified response code to monitor pilgrim movement and track entry and exit times.
The ministry said the smooth dispatch to Arafat reflects the success of early planning and field integration, laying the foundation for seamless execution of the following rites in Muzdalifah and Mina.
The initiative forms part of the Pilgrim Experience Programme under Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at building a sustainable and integrated operational system for Hajj. - BERNAMA-SPA
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New Straits Times
21 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Former beauty queen Harveen Kaur achieves second climbing record
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malaysian beauty queen Datin Harveen Kaur pulled off record back-to-back climbs to Everest Base Camp and the summit of Island Peak in a single Himalayan expedition, earning her a second entry in the Malaysia Book of Records. The Mrs Malaysia World 2017 said she reached Everest Base Camp on May 16, 2025, before successfully summiting Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, on May 20. On Aug 7, the Malaysia Book of Records recognised her as the "First Beauty Queen to Complete Back-to-Back Everest Base Camp and Island Peak". The Everest Base Camp (5,364 metres) in Nepal's Khumbu region serves as the gateway for climbers attempting Mount Everest. Nearby Island Peak (6,189 metres), a striking trekking peak accessible from the Imja Valley, is a popular challenge for mountaineers and trekkers alike. This latest feat marks Harveen Kaur's second record-setting achievement. In September 2023, she became the "First Beauty Queen to Summit Mount Kilimanjaro", Africa's highest peak at 5,895 metres. Her mountaineering journey has also taken her to Mera Peak (6,476 metres) in Nepal, which she scaled on April 11, 2024. That expedition came at a cost, as she lost her left middle finger to frostbite. In the spirit of National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, Harveen Kaur urged Malaysians to strive for excellence in all they set out to achieve. "Let's make our nation stand out in the world by scaling new heights in our pursuits," she told Bernama.


The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysian beauty queen Harveen Kaur sets second climbing record
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Mrs Malaysia World 2017 Datin Harveen Kaur has secured her second entry in the Malaysia Book of Records after completing consecutive climbs to Everest Base Camp and Island Peak during a single Himalayan expedition. Harveen Kaur reached Everest Base Camp on 16 May 2025 before summiting Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, on 20 May. The Malaysia Book of Records officially recognised her achievement on 7 August as the 'First Beauty Queen to Complete Back-to-Back Everest Base Camp and Island Peak'. Everest Base Camp, situated at 5,364 metres in Nepal's Khumbu region, serves as the starting point for climbers aiming to conquer Mount Everest. Nearby Island Peak, standing at 6,189 metres, is a popular challenge for mountaineers and trekkers due to its accessibility from the Imja Valley. This accomplishment marks Harveen Kaur's second record-breaking feat after she became the 'First Beauty Queen to Summit Mount Kilimanjaro' in September 2023. Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, reaches 5,895 metres above sea level. Her climbing journey also includes scaling Nepal's Mera Peak at 6,476 metres on 11 April 2024, though the expedition cost her the loss of her left middle finger due to frostbite. In celebration of National Day and Malaysia Day, Harveen Kaur encouraged Malaysians to pursue excellence in their endeavours. 'Let's make our nation stand out in the world by scaling new heights in our pursuits,' she told Bernama. – Bernama


Daily Express
5 hours ago
- Daily Express
Aseanta launches tourism awards
Published on: Sunday, August 10, 2025 Published on: Sun, Aug 10, 2025 By: Bernama, Antara News Text Size: JAKARTA: The Asean Tourism Association (Aseanta) has launched two initiatives to expand tourism opportunities in Southeast Asian countries, reported Antara news agency. 'The first is the 39th Aseanta Tourism Awards, and the second is the Discover Asean microsite by AirAsia Move,' said Aseanta President Eddy Krismeidi at the launch event held at the Asean Secretariat in Jakarta. Advertisement Eddy said the two initiatives not only reflect Aseanta's response to current tourism challenges but also its readiness to seize future opportunities. 'These initiatives reflect our determination to recover, innovate, and thrive,' he said. The Aseanta Tourism Awards, he explained, have been held for 39 editions and have long served as a platform to recognise and honour the best in Asean tourism – from community-based initiatives to large-scale innovations in marketing, sustainability, and excellence in tourism services. Registration for the Aseanta Tourism Awards is now open and will close on Oct 31,2025, with the winners to be officially announced at the Asean Tourism Forum 2026 in the Philippines. The second initiative presented at the event was the launch of the Discover Asean microsite, a digital travel booking platform from AirAsia Move, introduced by Aseanta in collaboration with AirAsia. Advertisement 'This microsite curates essential and inspiring content, from cuisine, culture, and attractive destinations to verified immigration links and the latest travel information,' he said. The application, he added, integrates tourism services that travelers need and want while also enabling easy access to flights and hotel rooms. 'In this way, intra-Asean travel becomes more intuitive, informative, and inspiring,' Eddy said. Meanwhile, Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa expressed the government's appreciation for Aseanta's efforts in realising the two initiatives. According to her, both initiatives are a tangible manifestation of a collective commitment that strengthens digital innovation, public–private collaboration, and shared sustainability values to reshape the regional tourism landscape. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia