Latest news with #Hajj1446
Saudi Gazette
15 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
AI-powered ‘Saqr' drone deployed for firefighting and rescue during Hajj
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The General Directorate of Civil Defense has officially deployed its advanced AI-powered drone, 'Saqr,' to support firefighting and rescue missions during the Hajj 1446 season. The drone is part of the authority's enhanced response systems designed to handle emergencies in high-risk or hard-to-reach areas. The Saqr drone is equipped with multi-purpose firefighting capabilities and rescue systems, operating for up to 12 hours continuously. It can reach high altitudes and carry a payload of approximately 40 kilograms. The drone features advanced safety protocols, thermal imaging cameras, and live site transmission capabilities. It is also linked to the central command and control center to support coordinated operations in real time. Designed for rapid deployment, Saqr is tailored for use in high-rise buildings, industrial zones, sites containing hazardous materials, densely populated areas, and forest smart systems enhance situational awareness, reduce risk to human responders, and improve decision-making through live imaging and AI integration.
Saudi Gazette
21 hours ago
- Climate
- Saudi Gazette
18 weather stations deployed to monitor Makkah and Holy Sites
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) achieved full atmospheric coverage of the holy sites during the Hajj 1446 season, intensifying its field and technical operations as part of efforts to ensure the safety of pilgrims and improve forecasting accuracy. As part of its operational readiness plan, NCM deployed 16 automatic monitoring stations across Makkah and the holy sites, along with two manned stations in Mina and Arafat. This network enabled the issuance of 1,920 hourly weather bulletins, supported by a mobile monitoring center that enhanced real-time observation capabilities. In Madinah, the center activated six automated stations and a manned observatory at Madinah Airport. Coverage was further enhanced by a dedicated weather radar system in the region, complemented by three auxiliary radars in Jeddah, Taif, and Yanbu, allowing for broader geographic data collection and improved accuracy in forecasts. To support awareness efforts, NCM launched a specialized media and communication production center in Mina. The center produces weather updates and safety messages in multiple languages, targeting both pilgrims and operational authorities through dedicated media channels. These communications are powered by artificial intelligence and advanced imaging technologies.
Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia's Health Sector Handles Surge In Hajj Medical Meeds With Zero Fatalities
Saudi Arabia's healthcare system has reported treating five cases of heat exhaustion among pilgrims since the start of this year's Hajj season, the Ministry of Health confirmed on Saturday. All patients have recovered, highlighting the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and health of the millions participating in the annual pilgrimage. The Ministry stressed that these cases were managed successfully under the comprehensive Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program, initiatives aimed at providing optimal medical care and enhancing the overall pilgrim journey. So far during Hajj 1446, more than 78,000 medical services have been delivered to pilgrims. Primary healthcare centres have welcomed upwards of 46,000 pilgrims, while emergency departments have handled 17,000 cases. Outpatient clinics have recorded over 860 visits, providing a wide range of medical support available across various facilities. Hospital admissions have surpassed 3,000, including more than 1,600 cases requiring intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. The Ministry also reported that it performed eight open-heart surgeries and 104 cardiac catheterisation procedures amid the pilgrimage period. The Ministry of Health's 937 Health Call Centre has received over 27,000 medical consultations, stressing that the system is fully ready to deliver immediate medical advice and assistance. The Ministry emphasised that healthcare services would continue at full operational capacity throughout the Hajj season, in line with the Kingdom's commitment to public health, safety, and the smooth delivery of services for all pilgrims.
Arab News
3 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Arafat sermon will reach world's Muslims through 35-language translation initiative
RIYADH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and Prophet's Mosque on Thursday launched an initiative to translate this year's Arafat sermon into 35 languages, reaching approximately five million Muslims worldwide during the 1446 AH Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, the president of religious affairs, emphasized the presidency's dedication to highlight the Kingdom's leadership in serving Islam and Muslims, particularly those visiting the Two Holy Mosques. Al-Sudais said that transmitting the moderate global message is a cornerstone priority: 'At the forefront of our broadcasting principles is spreading the guidance of the Arafat sermon, which contains the foundations of human and civilizational brotherhood and religious tolerance, translated into 35 languages for this year's Hajj.' Translation preparations were completed early, Al-Sudais said, to project the Kingdom's moderate message worldwide. According to SPA, the presidency established an independent committee to create a standardized framework to maximize the sermon's impact and outcomes.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
"Najm" launches its operational plan for the Hajj season 1446 AH/2025 and announces its participation in the "Aoun" initiative to serve the pilgrims
To enhance traffic safety in the holy sites May 28, 2025 Najm continues its pivotal role in bolstering the traffic safety within the Holy Sites and Mecca by ensuring prompt arrival at accident scenes, initiating necessary procedures and alleviating traffic congestion. To undertake this role, Najm has announced its operational plan for the 1446 AH Hajj season, reinforcing national efforts to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims. The plan aims to facilitate the smooth and secure performance of rituals, safeguarding pilgrims from their arrival at the Kingdom's border crossings until their safe return home. Demonstrating its readiness and commitment, Najm has prepared a field fleet of approximately 120 vehicles, including 54 motorcycles, and a dedicated field team of over 150 qualified specialists. The operational plan incorporates a robust, integrated technical infrastructure designed to proactively manage the expected rise in pilgrim numbers and bolster traffic safety in the Holy Sites and Mecca. A central operations room, outfitted with the latest smart systems and diverse digital communication channels, serves as the command hub. This network leverages tools such as the Najm application, IVR system, and the direction and control system. Complementing these are a full-service call center and WhatsApp service, all integrated to expedite response times and optimize the handling of any traffic incidents. Mr. Abdullah Al Khalaf, Acting CEO at Najm, expressed his pride in the national role played by Najm during the Hajj season, saying: 'We at Najm are proud to be part of the integrated national system concerned with serving pilgrims, under the supervision of our leadership. We have worked to improve our operational readiness this year in a qualitative manner, harnessing all our human and technical capabilities to support the efforts made to enhance traffic safety during the Hajj season in cooperation with the General Traffic Department and all concerned parties. Al-Khalaf added, "Najm's operational plan for this year's Hajj season, 1446 AH, reinforces the Kingdom's commitment to caring for pilgrims. It aligns with the 'Pilgrims' Experience Program' – a key initiative of Saudi Vision 2030 – to enhance the Hajj journey and enable pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind." He also emphasized Najm's ongoing mission as a trusted partner in promoting traffic safety throughout the Kingdom through an integrated system of insurance solutions and services delivered to citizens, residents, and visitors by our highly skilled and professional Saudi teams." On another note, within the framework of its social responsibility program "Najm Al Khair" and in continuation of the company's efforts in the Hajj mission 1446 AH, Najm announced its participation in sponsoring the "Aoun" initiative in cooperation with the National Center for Responsibility and Studies, which is one of the community initiatives aimed at helping the pilgrims, through a team of volunteers providing professional volunteer services to pilgrims that enable them to perform their rituals with ease. Moreover, Manafeth, Najm's subsidiary, is actively receiving pilgrims at the Kingdom's border crossings. Manafeth facilitates their entry by issuing mandatory third-party liability insurance for foreign vehicles. This service, accessible through its border offices, website, and the Manafeth application, ensures pilgrims receive necessary insurance protection, safeguarding their rights and covering their liabilities in the event of traffic incidents during their Hajj. It is worth mentioning that Najm for Insurance Services is a closed and unlisted joint-stock company established in 2007. It aims to promote the vehicle insurance sector in the Kingdom. Najm provides an integrated system of insurance solutions and services for citizens, residents, and visitors in more than 40 cities and governorates across the Kingdom, with an experienced and qualified Saudi staff, who make up 98% of the company's total workforce.
