Latest news with #Al-Zuwaid
Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
62 air carriers operate 3,314 Hajj flights from 238 destinations
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Saleh Al-Zuwaid, spokesman for the Hajj Transport and Logistics System, said that a total of 62 air carriers operated as many as 3,314 Hajj flights carrying pilgrims from 238 destinations in 71 countries around the world. Addressing a press conference for Hajj season transportation and communications system spokespersons at Hajj Media Operations Center in Makkah on Monday, Al-Zuwaid noted that the reception of pilgrims was conducted with the highest level of operational efficiency, contributing to the smooth flow of pilgrims' arrival and movement. Regarding the Haramain High Speed Rail, Al-Zuwaid stated that 4,700 trips were scheduled throughout the season with a capacity of up to two million passengers, an increase of 400,000 seats over last year. The number of trips between King Abdulaziz International Airport Station and Makkah has also been increased by 75percent compared to last year, reaching an average of approximately one trip per hour. He noted that 700,000 passengers had been transported on the Haramain High Speed Rail by Sunday, stressing that it will continue to provide services to pilgrims to meet their expectations. Regarding the Mashaer Train, the spokesperson confirmed that more than 2000 trips are expected to operate this season to transport more than 2 million passengers in 7 days. Al-Zuwaid explained that the use of road cooling technology in the holy sites has expanded by 82 percent compared to last year. "This technology has proven effective in reducing road surface temperatures by 12 degrees Celsius, especially in areas surrounding the Namirah Mosque and the holy sites," he added. For his part, Saad Al-Shanbari, spokesperson for the Hajj Communications and Technology System, stated that 4G and 5G coverage in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites reached 99 percent, resulting in a significant increase in internet speed, reaching 264 megabits per second, a 10 percent increase over last year. "Internet speed in Makkah and Madinah alone this year reached 336 megabits per second, a 19 percent increase over last year," he said. Al-Shanbari noted that Wi-Fi access points in Makkah, the holy sites, and Madinah reached more than 10,000 during this year's Hajj, in partnership with telecommunications service providers. He also emphasized that the Communications and Space Technology Commission (CSTC) was able to utilize the latest innovations during this season, successfully implementing, in partnership with Aramco, an artificial intelligence (AI) crowd management experiment using HAI surveillance cameras.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Saudi expands transport, digital infrastructure for smooth haj season
MAKKAH: The Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services is set to deploy additional public transport vehicles to ensure seamless operations during the haj season, particularly at key masyair sites where pilgrim movement peaks. Official spokesman for haj operations Saleh Ibrahim Al-Zuwaid said the measure formed part of an integrated strategy that blended logistics, technology and digital systems to enhance safety, comfort, and efficiency for pilgrims arriving from across the globe. "Our teams are working tirelessly to deliver high-quality services to all pilgrims," he said during a press conference yesterday. "We urge everyone to strictly adhere to official guidelines and instructions issued by the authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all throughout the haj journey." Earlier, Saudi Arabia prohibited pilgrims from walking between Makkah and Arafah due to soaring temperatures, which are forecast to reach between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius. In response, the ministry is reassessing the number of vehicles — particularly buses — required to transport pilgrims safely to Arafah. The Kingdom has announced extensive preparations to accommodate the expected arrival of nearly two million pilgrims for the 2025 haj season. Tens of thousands of transport vehicles have been mobilised, with intensified operations across air, land, sea and rail networks. More than 25,000 buses and 9,000 taxis have been allocated under the national transport plan to ensure smooth pilgrim movement. As part of efforts to ease congestion, the Haramain High-Speed Railway will operate 4,700 trips throughout the haj season, with a capacity to carry up to two million passengers — an increase of 400,000 seats from last year. In addition, the "Haj Without Luggage" initiative is now being implemented for pilgrims arriving at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Under the scheme, pilgrims travel directly to Makkah via train, while their luggage is transported separately to their accommodation through a dedicated logistics system. "Separating passenger and luggage movement enables faster processing at arrival points and ensures pilgrims can focus on their worship with minimal disruption," said Al-Zuwaid. Authorities also confirmed the full deployment of the second phase of the haj operations plan, supported by a dedicated technical team. Operations will be further intensified during the Aidiladha period, traditionally among the busiest times of the haj. Meanwhile, spokesman for the Haj Season Communications and Technology Ecosystem, Saad Saleem Al-Shanbari said there was a significant upgrade in digital infrastructure across the holy sites, with both 4G and 5G coverage in Makkah, Madinah and surrounding areas. "Internet speeds have reached 264Mbps in Makkah and 336Mbps in Madinah, allowing pilgrims to stay connected with ease," he said. "Digital infrastructure plays a vital role in enhancing the haj experience — from navigation and communication to real-time information access." As part of ongoing innovation, the government has trialled several new technologies, including AI-powered crowd management systems, advanced surveillance cameras, and secure communications tools developed in collaboration with security agencies. According to the Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), of the 29 new technologies introduced this year, 13 had already been successfully implemented in previous haj seasons. These include systems for managing healthcare services and tracking pilgrim movement.
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Daily Express
Operational readiness as millions arrive for Hajj
Published on: Tuesday, June 03, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 03, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: An official spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services - Hajj Season, Saleh Ibrahim Al-Zuwaid, said over 45,000 personnel have been deployed within the transport and logistics network to ensure smooth operations during the pilgrimage. - Bernama pic MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia has signalled its operational readiness for the Hajj pilgrimage season. The kingdom has rolled out an integrated set of logistical, technological, and digital initiatives aimed at improving safety, comfort, and efficiency for pilgrims arriving from around the world. An official spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services - Hajj Season, Saleh Ibrahim Al-Zuwaid, said over 45,000 personnel have been deployed within the transport and logistics network to ensure smooth operations during the pilgrimage. 'Our teams continue to work round-the-clock to ensure pilgrims receive the highest quality of service,' said Al-Zuwaid at a press briefing Monday. 'We urge all pilgrims to comply with official guidelines and instructions issued by the authorities to ensure everyone's safety and wellbeing throughout the Hajj journey.' As part of efforts to ease congestion and streamline pilgrim movement, the Haramain High-Speed Railway has scheduled 4,700 trips throughout the Hajj season. The network is expected to accommodate up to two million passengers, an increase of 400,000 seats compared to the previous year. Additionally, the 'No-Baggage Hajj' initiative is now in place for pilgrims arriving via King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Under this programme, pilgrims travel directly to Makkah by train while their luggage is transported separately to their accommodation via a coordinated logistics system. 'The separation of passenger and baggage movement allows for faster processing at arrival points and ensures that pilgrims can focus on their rituals with minimal disruption,' said the official. Saudi authorities have also confirmed the full implementation of the second phase of operational plans supported by specialised technical teams. These efforts are being intensified during the Eid al-Adha holiday, traditionally one of the busiest periods of the Hajj season. 'Our operational strategy has accompanied the arrival of pilgrims through multiple entry points and helped facilitate a seamless experience,' he said. Meanwhile, an official spokesperson for the Communications and Technology Ecosystem - Hajj Season, Saad Saleem Al-Shanbari, reported major improvements in digital infrastructure across the holy sites, with 4G and 5G coverage in Makkah, Madinah, and surrounding areas surpassing expectations. Internet speeds have reached 264 Mbps in Makkah and 336 Mbps in Madinah, allowing pilgrims to stay connected with ease. 'Digital infrastructure plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience, from navigation and communication to access to real-time information,' he said. As part of the digital push, the kingdom has trialled a range of technologies, including AI-powered crowd management systems, advanced surveillance cameras, and secure communication tools in collaboration with security agencies. The Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) said out of 29 new technologies introduced this year, 13 had already proven successful in previous seasons. These include tools designed to manage health-related services and monitor pilgrim movement. Responding to the challenge of combating extreme heat, Saudi authorities have activated road-cooling technologies along pedestrian routes that reduce surface temperatures and improve walking conditions for pilgrims. Preliminary results from temperature-monitoring sensors have shown a measurable decrease in heat levels on cooled pathways,' said the spokesperson. * 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
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Operational readiness as millions arrive for Hajj
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia has signalled its operational readiness for the Hajj pilgrimage season. The kingdom has rolled out an integrated set of logistical, technological, and digital initiatives aimed at improving safety, comfort, and efficiency for pilgrims arriving from around the world. An official spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services - Hajj Season, Saleh Ibrahim Al-Zuwaid, said over 45,000 personnel have been deployed within the transport and logistics network to ensure smooth operations during the pilgrimage. 'Our teams continue to work round-the-clock to ensure pilgrims receive the highest quality of service,' said Al-Zuwaid at a press briefing Monday. 'We urge all pilgrims to comply with official guidelines and instructions issued by the authorities to ensure everyone's safety and wellbeing throughout the Hajj journey.' As part of efforts to ease congestion and streamline pilgrim movement, the Haramain High-Speed Railway has scheduled 4,700 trips throughout the Hajj season. The network is expected to accommodate up to two million passengers, an increase of 400,000 seats compared to the previous year. Additionally, the 'No-Baggage Hajj' initiative is now in place for pilgrims arriving via King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Under this programme, pilgrims travel directly to Makkah by train while their luggage is transported separately to their accommodation via a coordinated logistics system. 'The separation of passenger and baggage movement allows for faster processing at arrival points and ensures that pilgrims can focus on their rituals with minimal disruption,' said the official. Saudi authorities have also confirmed the full implementation of the second phase of operational plans supported by specialised technical teams. These efforts are being intensified during the Eid al-Adha holiday, traditionally one of the busiest periods of the Hajj season. 'Our operational strategy has accompanied the arrival of pilgrims through multiple entry points and helped facilitate a seamless experience,' he said. Meanwhile, an official spokesperson for the Communications and Technology Ecosystem - Hajj Season, Saad Saleem Al-Shanbari, reported major improvements in digital infrastructure across the holy sites, with 4G and 5G coverage in Makkah, Madinah, and surrounding areas surpassing expectations. Internet speeds have reached 264 Mbps in Makkah and 336 Mbps in Madinah, allowing pilgrims to stay connected with ease. 'Digital infrastructure plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience, from navigation and communication to access to real-time information,' he said. As part of the digital push, the kingdom has trialled a range of technologies, including AI-powered crowd management systems, advanced surveillance cameras, and secure communication tools in collaboration with security agencies. The Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) said out of 29 new technologies introduced this year, 13 had already proven successful in previous seasons. These include tools designed to manage health-related services and monitor pilgrim movement. Responding to the challenge of combating extreme heat, Saudi authorities have activated road-cooling technologies along pedestrian routes that reduce surface temperatures and improve walking conditions for pilgrims. Preliminary results from temperature-monitoring sensors have shown a measurable decrease in heat levels on cooled pathways,' said the spokesperson.
