Big Development in the Artificial intelligence during the Hajj season in 2023.. what happened?

 Saudi Arabia uses advanced technologies and artificial intelligence during the Hajj season this year.

The head of the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence, Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, issued a statement on the use of technology in Hajj, saying: "These efforts are based on the role of SDAIA as a national reference in all aspects of data and artificial intelligence to ensure that the country becomes a leader in economies based on data and artificial intelligence."

Digital empowerment

He added that the authority seeks every year to ensure "digital empowerment of government agencies working in (supporting) Hajj" and support them in performing their duties.

The Agency of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Prophet’s Mosque significantly increased its efforts during this year’s Hajj season, with a particular focus on providing guidance and education to visitors in multiple languages.

Among the new procedures, more than 30 interpreters who are fluent in a number of languages have been employed to teach and assist the pilgrims.

Translators will be available on site, but also online or by phone. The Saudi authorities have also used multilingual banners to guide pilgrims during the pilgrimage.

The first batch of pilgrims from Palestine

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, represented by the General Secretariat for the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj and Umrah, announced the arrival of the first batch of Palestinian pilgrims participating in this program, following King Salman’s directives that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host 1,000 Palestinian pilgrims. The group consisted of 329 members of the families of the martyrs, the injured and the prisoners.

Health services

Meanwhile, a medical convoy organized by the Ministry of Health transported pilgrims who were receiving medical care in Medina to Jabal Al-Rahma Hospital in Arafat, where they will continue treatment in the period leading up to performing the rituals of Hajj.

Four ambulances were also stationed on the migration route between Medina and Makkah Al-Mukarramah, along with medical equipment and personnel.

Digital transformation

In related context, Saudi Telecom Company, stc Group, the enabler of digital transformation in the region, completed its field preparations to contain potential emergencies, crises and disasters, to maintain the smooth continuity of providing communications services during the Hajj season 1444 AH, through an elaborate rapid response plan.

On the other hand, stc Group has invested in its infrastructure and equipment to enhance its network fault protection capabilities, making it one of the most prominent regional and international companies in this field.

The equipment included simulation of sudden crisis scenarios such as fire outbreak, power outage, cyber attacks, network outage, human error, or natural disasters.

Preparations of human

As for the preparations of human and technical resources for rapid response in the Hajj season, stc has allocated more than 1,000 people in various fields, in addition to 50 additional technical teams for emergency intervention.

Telephone traffic

As for the management of telephone traffic, the plan took into account the provision of spare mobile mobile vans and mobile satellite connection vans (VSAT) so that they are ready for use in the event of any emergency.