Saudi Arabia has deployed all its human and technological resources to serve Umrah pilgrims and visitors. Approximately 36 million pilgrims were transported to the holy city of Makkah during this year’s holy month of Ramadan.
With the influx of pilgrims and visitors increasing, the Kingdom’s security agencies are placing numerous advanced smart cameras with advanced recognition capabilities to cover all areas and courtyards of the Grand Mosque.
The Command and Control Center for Umrah Security and the Operations Center for the Grand Mosque manage this system, ensuring the comfort and safety of the visitors of the holy Kaaba, enabling them to perform their rituals in peace and security.
Moreover, there is a trend to expand the use of technology inside the Grand Mosque and its courtyards, Asharq Al-Awsat learned from informed sources.
The Operations Center confirmed that the Grand Mosque is on the verge of integrating major technological advancements.
This includes smart cameras capable of crowd counting and alerting authorities of high traffic density. The cameras are also capable of identifying which way heavy crowds can be diverted.
Technology is present in every aspect of life in the Kingdom, from the “Absher” app, for services provided by the Interior Ministry, to the “Tawakkalna” app, provided by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SADAI).
Many other apps and services are offered by various entities in the Kingdom.
Upon arriving at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, visitors can immediately sense the technological activity and its results. As they step onto its outer courtyards, pilgrims realize that every step they take is part of a great effort.
They feel that there are watchful eyes, caring hearts, and helpful hands that work to ensure their comfort, allowing them to focus on worship without any disturbances.
