Latest news with #SalehAlZuwaid
Zawya
2 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Saudi: 62 air carriers operate 3,314 Haj flights from 238 destinations
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.
Arab News
3 days ago
- General
- Arab News
4,900 train journeys and 2m passengers expected on holy sites metro over 7 days of Hajj
RIYADH: Trains on the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro Line are expected to complete a total of 4,900 journeys, carrying up to 2 million passengers, in the space of just seven days during Hajj. The metro, known in English as the Sacred Sites Train Line, is a high-capacity rail system in Makkah that operates for only seven days a year, during Hajj, as a shuttle service to take pilgrims to and from holy sites. Offering insights on Monday into the transportation systems that will serve pilgrims, Saleh Al-Zuwaid, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, said comprehensive preparations have been taking place ahead of the annual pilgrimage across all travel sectors, including air, land, sea and logistics. 'So far, 3,314 flights from 238 destinations in 71 countries, via 62 air carriers, have arrived in the Kingdom,' he said. There has been a 75 percent increase in the number of trips on Haramain High Speed Railway, compared with last year, he added, and a 'Hajj without Luggage' initiative allows pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia to travel to Makkah by train while their luggage is transported separately for convenience. In addition, more than 25,000 buses have been provided to ensure the safe and comfortable movement of pilgrims, backed by an extensive inspections process, he said. The latest technology, including artificial intelligence, is also being deployed to enhance transportation, Al-Zuwaid said. A fleet of vehicles equipped with AI is scanning the Kingdom's roads, from arrival ports to the holy sites, to help improve safety and ensure necessary maintenance is carried out. This year, these advanced technologies have helped to maintain 7,400 kilometers of roads leading to the holy sites. Detailing advances in digital infrastructure, Saad Al-Shanbari, a spokesperson for Hajj communications and technology, said that 4G and 5G coverage in Makkah, Madinah and at the holy sites now exceeds 99 percent, with significant increases in internet speeds. More than 10,500 Wi-Fi access points have been installed to enrich the digital experience for pilgrims, he added, and AI-powered crowd-management and specialized communication systems have been implemented in collaboration with Aramco Digital, to help ensure a reliable digital experience throughout Hajj season. The spokespersons reaffirmed their commitment to providing the best possible services and encouraged pilgrims to adhere to official guidelines designed to enhance their experiences and ensure their safety. Hajj begins on Wednesday, June 4, and will continue until Monday, June 9.
