Saudi Arabia Launches Smart Bracelet for this Year’s Hajj

Photo from the launching of the “Smart Bracelet for Pilgrims” project. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Photo from the launching of the “Smart Bracelet for Pilgrims” project. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Launches Smart Bracelet for this Year’s Hajj

Photo from the launching of the “Smart Bracelet for Pilgrims” project. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Photo from the launching of the “Smart Bracelet for Pilgrims” project. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has launched the “Smart Bracelet for Pilgrims” project, which will provide an advanced technical service for this year’s Hajj season.

Five thousand bracelets will be distributed to pilgrims, who will benefit from main services that include full information about the pilgrim’s health condition, any possible exposure to COVID-19, the percentage of blood oxygen, heart rate, and emergency medical or security assistance.

The service, which was launched by the Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and the Doyof al-Rahman Service Program, in partnership with the STC Group, adopts the concept of data and the Internet of things, and features the implementation of integrated stages that seek to develop business models and operational and technical systems, in a qualitative experience to serve the religious pilgrim journey.

The head of SDAIA, Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, underlined the importance of the new service in providing assistance to the pilgrims and achieving the relevant objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

He said that the authority “harnesses all its technical capabilities and national competencies to provide the best innovative solutions based on data and IoT technologies to serve pilgrims and those working in the concerned government and private sectors.”

For his part, the program’s executive director, Eng. Bassam bin Ghashian, said that the cooperation was the fruit of the “leadership’s unlimited support for all sectors, with the aim to enhance the experience of the pilgrims, and the services provided on the journey to the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites.”

The CEO of STC stressed that serving the pilgrims with innovative digital solutions fell within the group’s goals to contribute to enriching their experience with the latest technologies, in accordance with Vision 2030.

He added that the partnership came as a continuation of cooperation with SDAIA and its creative projects to serve the country through high-quality digital services.



Saudi Foreign Minister, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi flag (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi flag (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Foreign Minister, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi flag (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi flag (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Monday from Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, SPA reported.

During the call, the two ministers reviewed regional developments and discussed issues of mutual interest.


Muslim World League Welcomes US-Iran Ceasefire Agreement

Muslim World League Welcomes US-Iran Ceasefire Agreement
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Muslim World League Welcomes US-Iran Ceasefire Agreement

Muslim World League Welcomes US-Iran Ceasefire Agreement

The Muslim World League (MWL) welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In a statement issued by its General Secretariat, Secretary-General of the MWL and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa emphasized the importance of continuing negotiations to reach an agreement that promotes security and stability in the region and preserves the interests, sovereignty, and safety of its states and peoples.

He also commended the mediation efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, as well as the efforts of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar.


Saudi Arabia, Ireland Agree to Strengthen Air Transport Cooperation

The record of discussions relates to air transport services between Saudi Arabia and Ireland - SPA
The record of discussions relates to air transport services between Saudi Arabia and Ireland - SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Ireland Agree to Strengthen Air Transport Cooperation

The record of discussions relates to air transport services between Saudi Arabia and Ireland - SPA
The record of discussions relates to air transport services between Saudi Arabia and Ireland - SPA

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al‑Duailej signed a record of discussions on Monday at GACA headquarters in Riyadh with the Irish Aviation Authority, represented by Irish Ambassador Gerry Cunningham.

The record of discussions relates to air transport services between Saudi Arabia and Ireland and aligns with the principles outlined in the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, SPA reported.

It will help establish a regulatory framework for air transport services between the two countries, fostering bilateral cooperation based on mutual benefit, mutual respect, and compliance with the laws, regulations, and procedures in force in both Saudi Arabia and Ireland.