Iraq unveils tech readiness for Ashura in Karbala
Iraq has announced full technical readiness for managing mobile communication services during the Ashura pilgrimage in Karbala, one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world.
In a press conference, Nawfal Abu Ragheef, head of the Communications and Media Commission (CMC) explained that the preparations began ahead of the Islamic month of Muharram and will intensify through the peak of Ashura on the 10th day, extending into the Arba'een pilgrimage—a 40-day commemoration of Imam Hussein Bin Ali's martyrdom that attracts millions of Shiite pilgrims from Iraq, Iran, and across the Muslim world.
Abu Ragheef noted that more than 1,253 telecom towers will cover Karbala Province this year. All equipment has been upgraded, and 73 mobile towers have been installed along roads leading into the city. In addition, 106 new permanent towers have been erected to expand coverage and strengthen network performance.
One of the key developments includes the deployment of 75 high-capacity 'smart cells' in the historic city center, particularly in the area known as Bayn al-Haramayn—the space between the two shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abu Al-Fadl Al-Abbas. 'These smart cells are designed to enhance signal strength and ensure uninterrupted connectivity amid the massive influx of visitors.'
Abu Ragheef also emphasized a sharp rise in capacity: 606 towers will operate on exceptional frequency bands during the day of Ashura—compared to just 73 last year—representing a nearly 500% increase in support for mobile networks.
To support the anticipated wave of international visitors, additional towers have also been installed at key border crossings and entry points, including Shalamcheh, Sheeb, Safwan, Mehran (in Wasit Province), and Najaf International Airport.
This year, the CMC has also overseen the transition of all telecom operators in Karbala to 4G networks, with infrastructure capable of supporting 5G. Among the most notable innovations is the use of AI-powered predictive models to anticipate crowd congestion. These tools will enable authorities to deploy preemptive measures and reduce pressure on hotspots across the city.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
21 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq to launch cross-border rail linking Basra and Iran
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq's Ministry of Transport announced on Sunday the imminent launch of the Basra–Shalamcheh railway project, a 36-kilometer cross-border line aimed at easing pilgrim traffic and strengthening regional connectivity. Ministry spokesperson Maytham al-Safi told Shafaq News that preliminary work is underway, including demining, land clearance, and final administrative steps. A contract signing with the executing company is expected soon, with construction to follow. 'The railway will enable the movement of over five million Iraqi and Iranian visitors annually, especially during religious seasons,' al-Safi said. Currently, pilgrims arriving by train from Iran must transfer at the border to reach Basra and continue toward Karbala. The new link will close that gap, integrating with Iraq's internal lines, including the active Basra–Karbala and Basra–Baghdad corridors. Construction is expected to take 36 months. Last year, the ministry operated 17 trains during peak pilgrimage periods and is prepared to scale up this year based on demand. Al-Safi said the project is central to Iraq's plans to modernize its transport infrastructure and deepen regional ties. The government has earmarked $150M for the line, which also forms part of a broader initiative to connect major religious sites in Iraq and Iran.
Shafaq News
a day ago
- Shafaq News
UK experts: ChatGPT may worsen psychosis
Shafaq News – London AI chatbots like ChatGPT could worsen psychosis in vulnerable users, UK mental health experts caution, as reliance on AI for emotional support surges. In a paper cited by The Telegraph, NHS psychiatrists and academic researchers warned that AI tools may trigger or intensify psychosis in vulnerable users by reinforcing delusions through uncritical engagement. The authors explained that individuals with early psychotic symptoms could misread chatbot replies as confirmation of distorted beliefs, with no clinical guardrails to intervene. The warning comes amid surging AI adoption, with ChatGPT alone downloaded over 900 million times, according to the report. The findings escalate the debate over AI in mental health, as supporters promote these tools for expanding access while critics demand strict oversight to prevent harm where artificial interaction risks substituting for clinical care.
Shafaq News
a day ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq inaugurates first centralized 911 center
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq has launched its first centralized emergency services center in Baghdad, merging 26 hotlines into a single 911 number for faster public response. Active since July 2025, the center was developed by the Interior Ministry and global communications firm Hytera, using the SmartOne platform to integrate DMR and TETRA radio networks with live camera feeds and a real-time Computer-Aided Dispatch system across more than 300 operator stations. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani praised the system as a major digital upgrade and a strategic boost to both security operations and humanitarian coordination. Built on a microservices architecture, the platform enables predictive alerts, real-time analytics, and rapid deployment—features that have already supported the handling of around 100,000 emergency calls across Baghdad—and has been shortlisted for the 2025 International Critical Communications Awards in the public safety category.
