‘Smart Haram’ Project to Pave Way for Comprehensive Digital Transformation

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah during the opening session of Hajj Expo 2023 (Saudi Ministry of Hajj)
The Minister of Hajj and Umrah during the opening session of Hajj Expo 2023 (Saudi Ministry of Hajj)
TT

‘Smart Haram’ Project to Pave Way for Comprehensive Digital Transformation

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah during the opening session of Hajj Expo 2023 (Saudi Ministry of Hajj)
The Minister of Hajj and Umrah during the opening session of Hajj Expo 2023 (Saudi Ministry of Hajj)

The opening session of the second edition of the Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition, launched on Tuesday in Jeddah, shed light on the efforts of the Kingdom and its wise leadership in serving pilgrims.

Participants at the session discussed the role of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in developing the Hajj and Umrah sector. The Vision’s goals include striving to achieve the highest levels of quality and excellence in the services provided to pilgrims.

During the opening speech of the conference, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah stressed that serving pilgrims from all countries is a top priority, an authentic historical commitment, and a great honor that the Kingdom’s government is proud of so that the pilgrims can perform their rituals with peace and ease within a rich digitized faith journey.

The minister affirmed that the Kingdom seeks serving pilgrims with ease. He said that facilities are provided to pilgrims from the moment they apply for their visa to visit Saudi Arabia.

Al-Rabiah also confirmed that his ministry is working to audit the quality of the services provided and the projects overseen by the state-owned (Kidana) company. This comes to improve services provided in the pilgrimage sites.

For his part, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef said the launch of the two identities “Made in Makkah” and “Made in Madinah” will contribute to enriching the religious experience of visitors to Makkah and Madinah, and enhance the entry of national products into global markets.

General President of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque Sheikh Abdulrahman Al Sudais revealed that there is an ongoing plan, in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, to launch the “Smart Haram” project.

The project aims to harness technology and expand e-applications and e-platforms to achieve a comprehensive digital transformation for the pilgrims’ experience.

Al Sudais indicated that studies, research, plans, and meetings are ongoing to draw up a future plan for the “Smart Haram” project.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Gulf Security Integration

Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)
Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Gulf Security Integration

Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)
Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening security coordination and cooperation among Gulf nations.
Speaking at the 41st GCC interior ministers’ meeting in Qatar on Wednesday, he emphasized the importance of protecting the region’s prosperity and ensuring a brighter future.
The meeting, chaired by Qatar’s Interior Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad, focused on enhancing joint security efforts and addressing key issues on the agenda.
Prince Abdulaziz warned of rising security challenges, including cybercrime, drug trafficking, and cross-border organized crime, during the GCC interior ministers’ meeting in Qatar.
He noted that advanced technologies are making it easier for criminal networks to smuggle weapons and fuel terrorism and extremism, especially in unstable regions.
The minister called for stronger collaboration, better strategies, and capacity-building to tackle these threats.
He also said that the GCC interior ministers’ meeting strengthens joint security efforts to tackle new challenges, supporting regional stability and development.
In a post on X, Prince Abdulaziz affirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to boosting communication, coordination, and integration among Gulf nations, particularly in security, to protect progress and ensure a brighter future.