Al-Nasr: NEOM Has a Strict Strategy to Secure Data, Information

Eng. Nazmi Al-Nasr confirmed that more than 30,000 employees in NEOM are subject to a strict information and data security strategy. SPA
Eng. Nazmi Al-Nasr confirmed that more than 30,000 employees in NEOM are subject to a strict information and data security strategy. SPA
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Al-Nasr: NEOM Has a Strict Strategy to Secure Data, Information

Eng. Nazmi Al-Nasr confirmed that more than 30,000 employees in NEOM are subject to a strict information and data security strategy. SPA
Eng. Nazmi Al-Nasr confirmed that more than 30,000 employees in NEOM are subject to a strict information and data security strategy. SPA

The CEO of NEOM, Eng. Nazmi Al-Nasr, confirmed that more than 30,000 employees in NEOM are subject to a strict information and data security strategy, based on the paramount importance of cybersecurity.

During his participation in a session entitled "Securing Infrastructure and Vitality" within the sessions of the Global Cybersecurity Forum, organized by Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority, Al-Nasr spoke about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on cybersecurity and the dangerous threats to information systems facing societies.

He noted the aspiration of the NEOM community to be a safe society against all cyber attacks, and its quest to attract everything that contributes to the protection of information security, and to build a comprehensive and advanced structural system that keeps pace with the aspirations of the city of NEOM and its reliance on artificial intelligence.

Al-Nasr called for developing new and innovative ways to confront cyber attack escalations, and discover weaknesses and address them quickly.

NEOM is constantly looking forward to everything that enhances the protection against cyber attacks, he said.

"All of this is done according to global technical standards and indicators in addressing cyber attacks that threaten systems and information that are in the service of societies", he said.

Al-Nasr stressed the importance of the international community standing firmly against all cyber attacks and work to develop information systems on an ongoing basis, noting the infrastructure of the Kingdom, which has made great progress in the field of cybersecurity.



Mina Camp Opens for Hajj Pilgrims ahead of Day of Arafat

A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
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Mina Camp Opens for Hajj Pilgrims ahead of Day of Arafat

A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)

Pilgrims began streaming into the valley of Mina early Tuesday to mark the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage, spending the Day of Tarwiyah on Wednesday in line with the traditions of the Prophet Mohammed.

White tents have been prepared to receive the faithful, as Saudi authorities roll out a wide range of services to ensure pilgrims can perform their rituals safely and smoothly.

Crowds will swell further on Thursday, when some 2.5 million worshippers are expected to converge on Mount Arafat – the pinnacle of the Hajj – for the most sacred rite of the pilgrimage.

Pilgrims will listen to the Day of Arafat sermon and perform shortened noon and afternoon prayers before departing at sunset.

Strict measures

The Ministry of Interior reminded the public that access to the holy sites is restricted to those with official Hajj permits. Security forces, backed by aerial surveillance, are deployed across main highways, mountain paths, and rural roads to intercept unauthorized entrants and enforce regulations.

Authorities warned that transporting pilgrims without permits is a punishable offense. Entry points into Makkah and the holy sites are tightly monitored to prevent violations, with penalties in place for anyone attempting to bypass security measures.

Safety protocols in place

Regulations also prohibit raising political or sectarian flags and chanting slogans within the holy sites. Pilgrims are instructed not to block walkways or sit along designated pedestrian routes.

Worshippers are urged to carry personal identification, wear face masks within the Grand Mosque and holy sites, and avoid bringing sharp objects, oversized luggage, or extra garments such as blankets and spare Ihram clothes into the Haram.

Saudi Arabia, which has ramped up preparations to host one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, says these measures are vital to ensure the safety, security, and spiritual focus of the Hajj.

Tightened regulations

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, underscored the importance of compliance with official guidelines for movement within the holy sites, stressing that such measures are crucial to safeguarding pilgrims and ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience.

“This year, there will be strict enforcement to verify that every pilgrim holds a valid Hajj permit,” Al-Rabiah said, underscoring efforts to boost the overall quality and safety of the pilgrimage.

He also emphasized the significance of the Nusuk card, calling it a key tool in organizing pilgrim movements. “Anyone without the card will not be allowed entry into the Grand Mosque, the holy sites, or access to transportation,” he stressed.

Health conditions ‘reassuring’

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Ministry of Health spokesperson Eng. Khaled Al-Taleb announced that the overall health situation among pilgrims is stable and reassuring.

More than 50,000 medical and technical staff are deployed this season, supported by three mobile field hospitals and 71 emergency response stations. The ministry has also increased hospital bed capacity by 60% compared to last year, and has delivered over 98,000 healthcare services so far.