Ministry of Interior Unveils AI-Driven Drone at Hajj Media Hub Exhibition
This AI-powered drone is designed to enhance surveillance, monitoring, and crowd management efforts. Equipped with cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies, it can perform real-time scene analysis, detect unusual activity, and instantly alert the command-and-control center. These capabilities support rapid response and proactive safety measures, contributing to the protection and well-being of pilgrims.
Related Topics:
Saudi Interior Min.: Tourism Companies Deceive Pilgrims, Encourage Hajj Violations
Riyadh Global Health Exhibition to Bring Together Int'nal Healthcare Experts
Intensive Preparations for Smooth, Safe Hajj Season: Mecca Deputy Governor
New Chapter Unfolded: Saudi Arabia Launches Electronic Intensive Care Unit
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Arab News
8 hours ago
- Arab News
How Saudi Arabia is tackling soil pollution to protect the environment and human health
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UNEP estimates that almost 40 percent of the global population — more than 3 billion people — are affected by soil degradation. Behind those figures lies a wide array of contaminants. Heavy metals, hydrocarbons and industrial and agricultural chemicals can accumulate in soil, reduce fertility, infiltrate aquifers and ultimately enter the food chain. Recognizing the scale of the problem, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN and its Global Soil Partnership convened the Global Symposium on Soil Pollution in 2018, alongside the World Health Organization, the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention, and UNEP. The aim was to bring together science and policy to assess the status, causes, impacts and solutions — and to move the issue from technical papers into concrete action plans. Science is clear about where much of the pollution originates. In terrestrial ecosystems, soils are the dominant sink for heavy metal contamination. 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More worrying still, contaminants can move through the food chain, posing hazards to human health. A growing body of local research is helping to target interventions. In 2023, Khaled Al-Kahtany of King Saud University's Department of Geology and Geophysics published 'Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals contamination in agricultural soil from Al-Majma'ah, central Saudi Arabia.' The study identified increased levels of potentially toxic elements, including arsenic, mercury and uranium. Reassuringly, most were below global risk thresholds. Even so, the findings underscore the need for early interventions that prevent hotspots from becoming health emergencies. Policy has moved in tandem with science. Guided by Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is weaving environmental protection into its economic transformation. A key step came in 2020 with the adoption of the Executive Regulation for Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. 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- Saudi Gazette
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GACA President Crowns Winners of 2025 Aviation Hackathon
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