Saudi Arabia Launches ‘Health Passport’

Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah reveals the 'health passport' service. (SPA)
Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah reveals the 'health passport' service. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Launches ‘Health Passport’

Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah reveals the 'health passport' service. (SPA)
Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah reveals the 'health passport' service. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia launched on Thursday the “health passport” service through the Tawakkalna app.

The app was approved by the Saudi Ministry of Health to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The service confirms that an individual has received all doses of the virus vaccine and was therefore “immune” from it.

The move is a significant step by Saudi authorities in protecting lives, said Health Minister spokesman Dr. Mohammed Abdelali.

Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and head of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi oversaw the launch of the service.

Al-Rabiah received on Thursday the second jab of the vaccine, hailing the keenness of the Saudi leadership in providing the shots in the Kingdom and its people and residents in record time.

This has made Saudi Arabia among the top countries in fighting the pandemic, he stressed.

Work is underway to open more vaccination stations so that they will be available throughout the country, he revealed.

Over 137,000 people have received the vaccine. Over a million people are registered to receive the shot during the first phase of inoculation.

Saudi Arabia reported on Thursday 108 new infections, taking its total to 363,485. It confirmed 138 more recoveries and six new deaths.



Namirah Mosque Ready for Hajj’s Arafat Day with Major Upgrades

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
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Namirah Mosque Ready for Hajj’s Arafat Day with Major Upgrades

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has completed extensive preparations at Namirah Mosque in Arafat, ensuring it is fully ready to welcome Hajj pilgrims on the day of Arafat, which falls on Thursday. The mosque has been furnished with 125,000 square meters of luxurious carpets.

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims. The backyard now features 19 canopies that reduce heat stress by an average of 10 degrees Celsius, complemented by sun-reflecting floor paint. The surrounding courtyards are also prepared and cooled with 117 fog fans, lowering temperatures by an average of 9 degrees Celsius.

A major ventilation and air conditioning upgrade includes a new control system that monitors carbon dioxide levels and operates air purification units, allowing for 100% air renewal every 30 minutes. This system also controls water pumps, boosting operational efficiency and providing a healthier environment for pilgrims.

For hydration, 70 water chillers have been installed, each capable of serving 2,000 pilgrims per hour, totaling a capacity of 140,000 pilgrims per hour.

An advanced audio system and security surveillance cameras have also been integrated to boost safety and security.

Furthermore, the mosque's 72 gates and entrances have been strategically organized to ensure a smooth flow of pilgrims.

These extensive tasks were carried out by dedicated supervisory and service teams committed to providing the best services to pilgrims.