Latest news with #crowdmanagement
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Science
- Arab News
Advanced tech enhances Hajj crowd management
ARAFAT: The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, in cooperation with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, is using high-resolution satellite imagery, geospatial artificial intelligence and real-time data during the Hajj season. These tools help monitor and analyze human and vehicular movement to enhance crowd management efficiency, with the analysis covering entry points to Makkah to observe vehicle flow and peak times. They also track crowd density around the Grand Mosque and analyze pilgrimage routes to predict mobility patterns and congestion, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday. The technology supports immediate decision-making by providing accurate data and improving crowd distribution. It also ensures safe mobility and enhances coordination among operational teams on the ground. The collaboration presents an advanced model for using geospatial technologies, helping improve safety and increase field operation efficiency during Hajj.
Arab News
a day ago
- Health
- Arab News
Inside the Kingdom's digitally powered vision for Hajj
JEDDAH: With millions of pilgrims expected, Saudi Arabia is mobilizing a sophisticated, tech-driven operation for Hajj this year, leveraging one of the world's most complex logistical efforts. At the center is the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, leading a nationwide push to upgrade digital infrastructure, streamline crowd management, and enforce permit regulations, all shaped by lessons from previous Hajj seasons. Dr. Ghassan Alnwaimi, ministry spokesperson, told Arab News that digital transformation remains at the heart of this strategy. 'Crowd management has been strengthened through collaboration with security forces, AI-powered monitoring at the Smart Makkah Operations Center, and updated visa gate protocols,' Alnwaimi added. 'The success of Hajj is not the result of a single entity, but a coordinated, government-wide effort,' Alnwaimi emphasized. 'Various ministries and agencies work together across all stages to ensure a seamless experience for pilgrims.' These government entities include the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, Security Forces, Saudi Red Crescent Authority, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, and Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority. A valid Hajj permit remains key to access and services. The 'No Permit, No Hajj' campaign ensures that every pilgrim is registered, monitored, and fully supported throughout their journey. Saudi Arabia also remains committed to an inclusive Hajj experience, serving pilgrims of all backgrounds through a multilingual outreach and tailored support. Over 300 awareness tools, including guides and instructional videos, cover health, rituals, safety, and logistics for global audiences. On the ground, more than 167,000 trained personnel are deployed across 10 countries, offering support in 14 languages. Health kits and educational materials, developed with the Ministry of Health, are available in at least eight languages, including Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Persian, Indonesian, Malay, and Turkish. These efforts align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to make Hajj more inclusive and accessible to Muslims worldwide. The enhanced Nusuk ecosystem and its upgraded Nusuk Card now integrate mobility, security, and entry and exit procedures to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage. 'For the 2025 season, more than 1.4 million smart cards have been issued,' said Alnwaimi. 'Each card is linked to the Nusuk app, which now offers over 160 digital services.' The Nusuk Card has become a central element of the digital Hajj ecosystem, enhancing safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency. The ministry has also implemented a multi-layered monitoring system to ensure the quality of services provided to registered pilgrims. Operational contracts are formalized in advance through the Nusuk digital platform. During the Hajj season, more than 3,400 field inspections have been conducted to check compliance in areas such as accommodation, transport, catering, and general services. 'Digital tools are central to real-time oversight,' Alnwaimi explained. 'The Nusuk Card and app support health and safety monitoring, while 24/7 support is available through Nusuk Care Centers and the Pilgrims' Care Center hotline (1966), which handles inquiries and complaints.' These smart cards also grant access to the holy sites, including the Grand Mosque, and securely store key personal data like health records and accommodation details. For elderly and vulnerable pilgrims, they link to wearable devices that transmit real-time data to medical teams, enabling swift emergency response. The app integrates features like real-time crowd alerts, smart navigation, health data sharing, and multilingual artificial intelligence-powered translation. It offers more than 150 religious FAQs, 160 prayers and supplications, 250 educational resources, and over 200 personalized alerts throughout the pilgrimage. 'The app offers real-time maps with over 20,000 key locations across the holy sites,' added Alnwaimi. '(Nusuk app) reflects how faith and technology are coming together to enhance both the spiritual and logistical aspects of Hajj.' One of the ministry's standout initiatives is the Makkah Route program, which simplifies visa, health, and customs procedures for around 249,000 pilgrims before they even depart their home countries. Through this program, pilgrims complete all required steps, including electronic visa issuance, biometric registration, and health verification at designated airports abroad. Their luggage is coded and sorted according to their transportation and accommodation details in Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, pilgrims are taken directly to their accommodations in Makkah or Madinah, while partner agencies handle luggage delivery. Currently, the Makkah Route operates in eight countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco, Cote d'Ivoire, and the Maldives. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah adopts a data-driven approach to tracking pilgrim satisfaction in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals. 'After Hajj, feedback is collected through direct testimonials, structured surveys, and digital platforms, providing valuable insights into each pilgrim's experience,' Alnwaimi said. 'We are pleased to share that the satisfaction rate has steadily increased from 74 percent in 2022 to 78 percent in 2023, and now to 81 percent in 2024.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
a day ago
- Health
- Asharq Al-Awsat
SDAIA: Saudi AI Platform Baseer Boosts Crowd, Security Control During Hajj
Saudi Arabia's Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is leading a smart ecosystem to monitor and support the Hajj journey through advanced digital platforms designed to manage crowds and identify congestion points within the Grand Mosque, including the Tawaf area. The authority, working in coordination with other government entities, has deployed its technologies across 12 international airports in eight countries, creating a fully integrated digital system backed by real-time analytics and advanced algorithms. The initiative aims to support the Hajj operation and improve the quality of services offered to pilgrims. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, SDAIA's Vice President, Engineer Sami bin Abdullah Moquim, said the authority has harnessed its advanced technical infrastructure and skilled workforce, including data scientists, AI specialists, engineers and technicians, to develop smart solutions that empower both government and private sector entities to make timely, informed decisions and boost operational efficiency. Smart platforms activated Moquim said SDAIA has completed its preparations for the Hajj season in line with directives from the Saudi leadership to ensure the comfort and ease of pilgrims. He noted that the authority has extended technical support to government agencies tasked with managing the pilgrimage. This support includes launching and activating several digital platforms during Hajj seasons to deliver high-quality services using the latest technologies, he said. SDAIA's engineers and technicians are working around the clock to maintain the digital infrastructure, ensure continuity of services for pilgrims, and address any technical challenges across the Kingdom's land, sea, and air border crossings in coordination with relevant authorities. He added that SDAIA's technical teams are operating dedicated workstations to facilitate the entry procedures of pilgrims and are providing continuous support in the terminals designated for their arrival to ensure smooth operation of systems and uninterrupted communication. Advanced tech at entry points SDAIA is extending its digital support to frontline security teams stationed at checkpoints and entry points leading to Makkah, while also equipping key holy sites with advanced technologies to streamline the Hajj experience, said Moquim. Additionally, the authority is supporting security entities at filtering checkpoints and security centers around Makkah and is operating sites in the holy locations of Arafat, Mina, Muzdalifah, and the Grand Mosque. The authority is also managing tech operations at the Al-Muaisem emergency complex and overseeing preventive maintenance to ensure systems remain fully functional throughout the pilgrimage season, Moquim told Asharq Al-Awsat. Global airport presence SDAIA has also deployed enhanced digital and AI-powered systems at 12 international airports across eight countries as part of its support for the 'Makkah Route' initiative. The initiative aims to ease travel procedures for pilgrims from the moment they depart their home countries through to their arrival in Saudi Arabia and eventual return with minimal disruption. Technical teams are remotely monitoring the systems and workstations deployed in these airports to ensure seamless operations. SDAIA is also providing real-time technical support to resolve malfunctions, maintain high performance levels, and ensure integrated service delivery. The initiative includes biometric registration workstations for pilgrims, mobile work units, and upgraded infrastructure to expedite entry procedures across all ports in line with the authority's operational plan. Upgraded permit platform Moquim said SDAIA has upgraded the unified digital platform for Hajj permits, 'Tasreeh', launched by the Ministry of Interior. The platform, integrated with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's 'Nusuk' platform, enables domestic and international pilgrims, workers, volunteers, and transport vehicles to obtain and display entry permits for Makkah and the holy sites. He added that the national 'Tawakkalna' app now allows users to view all types of Hajj permits through direct integration with the Tasreeh platform. 'This feature simplifies access to permits from all government bodies involved in Hajj,' Moquim said. The app also offers emergency services such as 'Esafni' (Rescue Me), allowing pilgrims to request urgent medical or safety assistance with a few simple steps. With its wide range of integrated services, Tawakkalna plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims throughout their journey. Smart operations for crowd management The Saudi AI Authority is rolling out a series of innovative tech solutions to streamline the Hajj experience, with its Smart Makkah Operations Center (SMART MOC) playing a central role in coordinating real-time systems and platforms supporting millions of pilgrims. Located in the holy city of Makkah, the SMART MOC is one of the core operational pillars underpinning the government's digital infrastructure for Hajj. The center monitors and manages the advanced systems deployed by SDAIA throughout the Hajj season and year-round, Moquim said. 'The SMART MOC is helping raise the quality of digital services offered to pilgrims,' he told Asharq Al-Awsat, noting that the center boosts crowd control and security coordination across the holy sites. AI-Powered crowd monitoring A key feature of the center is the Baseer platform, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. It uses advanced AI algorithms and real-time data processing to detect and analyze crowd density and distribution within the Grand Mosque and its surroundings. Baseer's computer vision tools allow authorities to pinpoint overcrowded zones, such as the Tawaf area, moment by moment. The platform provides highly accurate, real-time data that supports mobility planning and enables authorities to take swift action to prevent overcrowding or stampedes, ensuring the highest safety standards for pilgrims during the Hajj. Smart surveillance integration The operations center also incorporates cutting-edge platforms, such as Sawaher and Sawaher Qiyada, both developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. These platforms deliver intelligent analytics of live security camera feeds across the holy sites and access points, enhancing situational awareness and operational efficiency. By analyzing vast amounts of live surveillance data, the system supports instant decision-making and bolsters field-level coordination. SDAIA says the platform's ability to integrate big data analytics with real-time video monitoring plays a crucial role in maintaining security and operational readiness across the Hajj landscape. Ehsan platform expands charitable services during Hajj Saudi Arabia's Ehsan platform is expanding its presence during this year's Hajj, offering a wide range of charitable services and initiatives aimed at maximizing social impact and supporting pilgrims through acts of giving. Moquim said Ehsan plays a key role in addressing the diverse needs of pilgrims by providing opportunities for donations and participation in community-focused projects. Among its key offerings this season is a sponsorship program for pilgrims who have never performed Hajj, allowing donors to contribute to fulfilling the dreams of those unable to afford the journey. The platform also facilitates initiatives to feed pilgrims and provide clean drinking water at the holy sites. In partnership with the Kingdom's Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi (Adahi), Ehsan supports the sacrificial offering program by enabling pilgrims and donors to authorize the platform to perform their animal sacrifices on their behalf. The sacrifices are then distributed to eligible recipients in accordance with Islamic requirements, safely, securely, and on time.
Asharq Al-Awsat
28-05-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Ministry of Interior Opens 'No Hajj Without a Permit' Exhibition in Jeddah
The Saudi Ministry of Interior inaugurated on Tuesday an exhibition titled "No Hajj Without a Permit" at the Red Sea Mall in Jeddah Region. The exhibition, aimed at raising awareness about Hajj regulations and instructions, will run until May 31. At the exhibition, the ministry is showcasing AI applications for crowd management, its Hajj season efforts to ensure pilgrim security and safety, the 911 system for urgent security and humanitarian reports, and key services of the Absher electronic platform.
Malay Mail
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Police to deploy 80 officers for crowd control at Sogo rally tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will station 80 personnel tomorrow to oversee and manage the crowd during a gathering expected outside the Sogo shopping complex. Dang Wangi police chief ACP Sulizme Affendy Sulaiman said police are aware of the planned rally and the deployment is aimed at ensuring public safety and order. 'We have held discussions with the organisers, but they remain firm in their decision to proceed with the rally,' he said in a statement today. — Bernama
