Saudi Arabia's Integrated Tech, Strategic Planning Set Global Benchmark In Crowd Management 

MAKKAH, June 4 (Bernama-SPA) -- Saudi Arabia has solidified its position as a global model in advanced crowd management, leveraging sophisticated technology and integrated strategies to manage millions of pilgrims during Hajj.

According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), this comprehensive approach ensures safety, facilitates rituals, and enhances the overall pilgrim experience.

The Interior Ministry and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) lead with platforms like Sawaher, utilising AI and multi-camera feeds for real-time monitoring, and big data analysis to enhance security and crowd management.

The Smart Makkah Operations Center (SMART MOC) integrates these systems, including Baseer, for precise crowd monitoring. SDAIA also co-developed the unified Tasreeh Platform for Hajj permits (integrated with Nusuk) and facilitates rapid pilgrim entry at 12 airports in eight countries via the Makkah Route Initiative.

The Tawakkalna app provides essential services like emergency requests, weather forecasts, and Qiblah direction, alongside Hajj permit review.

The Communications, Space and Technology Commission ensures seamless connectivity with increased 5G towers and expanded Wi-Fi across Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites. It employs AI, drones, and IoT for crowd monitoring and transportation efficiency, backed by 24/7 technical teams.

The Hajj and Umrah Ministry's Monitoring and Control Center manages Hajj operations, integrating pilgrim journey data from origin to accommodation, which significantly reduces airport waiting times to under 40 minutes.

Umm Al-Qura University's Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research contributes with machine learning models for real-time crowd density analysis and conducts research to inform decision-making.

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque provides critical on-ground support with counting sensors, directional signs, designated paths, multilingual volunteers and brochures in over 25 languages, and specialised services for the elderly and disabled. It also prepares courtyards with ventilation and carpeting for crowd distribution.

The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, through Kidana Development Company, has implemented vast infrastructure projects, including a 200-bed field hospital, 71 rapid intervention points, 170,000 square meters of rubber pedestrian paths (with 10,000 trees), extensive shading, 64 multi-story toilet complexes, and 400 water coolers.

The commission oversees a massive transportation plan for over 2.1 million pilgrims, utilising buses, trains, and electric scooters, all coordinated through a central operating room.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Project for Utilisation of Hady and Adahi, also overseen by the commission, has completed operational readiness with seven complexes capable of processing over 1.1 million animals, with distribution extending to over 30 countries, digitally monitored by AI.

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has deployed over 7,500 boxes of medical supplies, containing over two million items, and mobile emergency vehicles. The authority maintains a strategic reserve of over 12.5 million medical supplies and medicines to ensure rapid emergency response and comprehensive care for pilgrims.

-- BERNAMA-SPA