Pilgrims Can Now Activate eSIM Cards Upon Arrival in Saudi Arabia
Pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah can now digitally activate eSIM cards upon arrival, thanks to a new initiative launched by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), the Ministry of Interior (MoI), and licensed telecom providers.
The system allows pilgrims to request eSIMs from local operators and verify their identity using biometric data through the Absher platform, enabling activation without the need to visit a store or wait until reaching their accommodation.
The move aims to simplify access to mobile services, ensuring pilgrims are connected from the moment they enter the Kingdom. It forms part of CST's wider strategy to enhance digital services for pilgrims in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CairoScene
6 days ago
- CairoScene
Saudi Arabia Trials Indoor 5G That Works for Every Network
The deployment took place in cooperation with Nokia, ACES NH, the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, and service providers Mobily and Zain KSA. Saudi Arabia has completed its pilot of indoor 5G standalone coverage using shared spectrum across all major mobile operators. The deployment took place in cooperation with Nokia, ACES NH, the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, and service providers Mobily and Zain KSA. The trial used 4.0-4.1 GHz sharable indoor spectrum combined with active network sharing, allowing one system to serve multiple networks. The setup eliminates the need for separate 4G anchors and duplicate equipment inside buildings, while early modelling shows cost savings of more than 60%. The approach also reduces carbon emissions per gigabyte and is designed to extend service to low- and mid-traffic sites. Nokia provided its Shikra radio units and software, enabling gigabit-class speeds across multistorey buildings while offering the flexibility to host both public and enterprise 5G on the same infrastructure. The system's design allows operators to expand more quickly with lower upfront investment. Mobile data usage across the region is expected to nearly double by 2030. With 80% of mobile traffic originating indoors, the pilot points to an alternative model for efficient in-building coverage. The project has also been recognised by the Small Cell Forum with a 2025 award for innovation in neutral host models.
Mid East Info
14-07-2025
- Mid East Info
ROSHN Group Joins Recycle Your Device Initiative to Promote a Circular Economy - Middle East Business News and Information
ROSHN Group will be a partner to the Recycle Your Device Initiative, which is led by the Communication, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) ROSHN will spread awareness of the campaign to encourage the public to recycle their old electronic equipment and promote a circular economy The campaign will run until the end of December, with the aim of recycling over 100,000 devices over the six months Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, July, 2025 – ROSHN Group, Saudi Arabia's leading multi-asset real estate developer and a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, is partnering with the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) for the nationwide CSR initiative, Recycle Your Device . This impactful campaign, which will run until December, aims to raise national awareness around sustainability and a circular economy as outlined by Vision 2030 by encouraging the responsible recycling of electronic devices. Any donated device will be refurbished for donation and reuse. ROSHN Group will be supporting the campaign nationwide under its 'YUHYEEK' CSR Program by promoting the initiative through a variety of activities both in its communities and destinations, through communication, and activations. The aim will be to exceed the number of devices recycled during the first national electronic devices recycling campaign, which ran between 2022 and 2023; over 100,000 devices with a market value of SAR 30 million were recycled, 240 tons of electronic materials were refurbished. As a Success Partner, ROSHN Group will play a key role in supporting and amplifying this national effort. Recycle Your Device underscores a shared vision of creating a more sustainable future through collective action and responsible technology use.
CairoScene
29-06-2025
- CairoScene
GCC Citizens Can Perform Umrah Any Time via Nusuk App
GCC citizens can now perform Umrah at any time using simplified procedures, with permits issued through the Nusuk app and entry allowed through any Saudi port. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are now permitted to perform Umrah at any time of the year. As part of this new arrangement, Umrah permits must be obtained through the official Nusuk mobile application, which serves as the central platform for managing pilgrimage-related services. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to simplify procedures and enhance accessibility for GCC pilgrims. In addition to citizens, residents of GCC countries holding any valid visa type may also perform Umrah under the updated guidelines. Those intending to visit Al-Rawdah Al-Sharif in the Prophet's Mosque are required to schedule an appointment through the Nusuk app as well.
