黑料社区

Makkah royal commission leads 黑料社区鈥檚 push to streamline Hajj operations

黑料社区 has launched a high-tech data driven system for Hajj this year with upgraded facilities and streamlined efforts. (SPA)
黑料社区 has launched a high-tech data driven system for Hajj this year with upgraded facilities and streamlined efforts. (SPA)
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Updated 31 May 2025

Makkah royal commission leads 黑料社区鈥檚 push to streamline Hajj operations

The Kingdom has launched a high-tech data driven system for Hajj this year with upgraded facilities and streamlined efforts.
  • Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rashid, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, said: 鈥淥ur preparations aim to create an operational environment that empowers relevant authorities and facilitates the pilgrims鈥 journey鈥

MAKKAH: 黑料社区 is rolling out a high-tech, data-driven operational system to improve the pilgrim experience during Hajj, led by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites.

The initiatives emphasizes real-time coordination, smart mobility solutions and infrastructure enhancements to manage the flow of millions with greater speed, safety and efficiency, deploying cutting-edge technology and infrastructure improvements and operating on continuous assessment and gradual improvement, according to officials.

At the core of the plan is a shift from reactive approaches to proactive operations. Through continuous assessment and integrated digital tools, the commission empowers authorities and streamlines pilgrim services across holy sites to achieve rapid response and strengthen functional integration.




At the core of the plan is a shift from reactive approaches to proactive operations. (SPA)

Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rashid, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, said: 鈥淥ur preparations aim to create an operational environment that empowers relevant authorities and facilitates the pilgrims鈥 journey.鈥

Key elements include field operation rooms, backup buses and human-flow data analysis tools to guide resources and organize crowd movement, as well as electric scooter services and Makkah taxi services within carefully planned zones.

The Transport General Authority has implemented an advanced operational plan for the transport system during the Hajj season, facilitating the movement of more than 2.1 million pilgrims over a few days.




Efforts for health and safety infrastructure include a 200-bed field hospital in Mina. (SPA)

The plan includes several transport systems: Single-trip buses serving 427,433 with 9,094 buses; two-trip services for 209,656 pilgrims using 2,230 buses; a shuttle for 702,251 pilgrims using 4,980 buses; and the Mashaer Metro line serving 423,000 pilgrims.

To support this, the commission is overseeing key roadwork projects, including 1.7 km of the Second Ring Road with 208 meters of bridges and 3.35 km of service roads, as well as two phases of the Third Ring Road totaling more than 8 km, to reduce travel time and improve connectivity between Makkah and the Holy Sites.

The commission also oversees the Kingdom鈥檚 Project for the Utilization of Sacrificial Animals, also known as Adahi.




黑料社区 has launched a high-tech data driven system for Hajj this year with upgraded facilities and streamlined efforts. (SPA)

Recent efforts include equipping seven operational complexes over 1 million sq. m, processing more than 1.1 million animals, and expanding distribution to more than 30 countries via platforms such as Ehsan and Saudi Post. AI-powered systems track implementation and enhance efficiency.

The Business Intelligence Center and Makkah Urban Observatory support real-time decision-making and monitor demographic and spatial improvements.

Efforts for health and safety infrastructure include a 200-bed field hospital in Mina; 71 rapid intervention points; 15 mobile ambulance units; and 170,000 sq. m of shaded pedestrian pathways in Muzdalifah lined with 10,000 trees; 64 two-story restroom complexes, and 400 modern water coolers.

In central Makkah, more than 235,000 sq. m of sidewalks and 30,000 sq. m of shade have been added, along with prayer courtyards for 60,000 extra worshippers, all to improve mobility and spiritual access around the Grand Mosque.

Additional upgrades include multi-story tent systems, improved Miqat mosques, and expanded facilities at Al-Taneem and Al-Ji鈥檙anah, enhancing the beginning stages of the pilgrimage.

The commission鈥檚 unified vision brings together more than 10 government agencies to support pilgrims logistically and elevate their overall experience through smart, coordinated planning.


Riyadh mayor launches municipal transformation program

Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Riyadh Mayor. (SPA)
Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Riyadh Mayor. (SPA)
Updated 04 October 2025

Riyadh mayor launches municipal transformation program

Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Riyadh Mayor. (SPA)
  • The aim of the program is to improve the efficiency of city operations 鈥 raising the quality of services provided to beneficiaries 鈥 and align them with the needs of residents and the particularities of each geographic sector of the Saudi capital

RIYADH: Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf has launched the Riyadh Municipal Transformation Program, which aims to keep pace with the rapid growth witnessed by the capital, in response to the city鈥檚 needs and in a manner befitting its global status.

The program is intended to ensure the ability to provide services that match the scale of existing and future projects, as well as the global events that Riyadh will be hosting in the coming years.

The aim of the program is to improve the efficiency of city operations 鈥 raising the quality of services provided to beneficiaries 鈥 and align them with the needs of residents and the particularities of each geographic sector of the Saudi capital.

This will be achieved by transforming all of Riyadh鈥檚 16 sub-municipalities into five sectors tasked with providing both direct and indirect municipal services.

 


黑料社区 marks World Animal Day

黑料社区 marks World Animal Day
Updated 04 October 2025

黑料社区 marks World Animal Day

黑料社区 marks World Animal Day
  • The society coordinates with regional and international associations, trains interested parties, consults with government and private agencies to overcome obstacles, and represents the Kingdom in international animal welfare forums

JEDDAH: 黑料社区 marked World Animal Day, observed annually on Oct. 4, to raise awareness about animal protection and care while intensifying efforts to advance global animal welfare standards.

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture leads the Kingdom鈥檚 efforts by organizing exhibitions and events for all segments of society, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It aims to strengthen communication with stakeholders and support veterinary facilities.

The Saudi Animal Welfare Society, also known as Refq, complements these efforts by promoting a culture of animal welfare in line with Islamic teachings, working to reduce the spread of stray animals through scientific principles, providing treatment and shelter, facilitating re-adoption, and curbing poaching, the SPA reported.

The society also coordinates with regional and international associations, trains interested parties, consults with government and private agencies to overcome obstacles, and represents the Kingdom in international animal welfare forums.

 


Math competition seeks to discover 黑料社区鈥檚 best young brains

Children from private and public schools can apply and the registration process will remain open until Nov. 9. (SPA)
Children from private and public schools can apply and the registration process will remain open until Nov. 9. (SPA)
Updated 04 October 2025

Math competition seeks to discover 黑料社区鈥檚 best young brains

Children from private and public schools can apply and the registration process will remain open until Nov. 9. (SPA)
  • Youngsters will have the chance to win prizes and take part in a summer math camp to be hosted next year by KAUST and the University of Cambridge in the UK

JEDDAH: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has launched a competition to find the most talented middle and high school students in mathematics.

Youngsters will have the chance to win prizes and take part in a summer math camp to be hosted next year by KAUST and the University of Cambridge in the UK.

The competition adheres to international standards for algebra, geometry, combinatorics and number theory and provides a pathway to KAUST's pre-university academic programs.

Children from private and public schools can apply and the registration process will remain open until Nov. 9. The preliminary rounds will take place in several cities on Dec. 13, with the final to be held at KAUST from April 3-5 next year.

Further information is available from the KAUST website.

 


GCC secretary general praises region鈥檚 health care system

GCC secretary general praises region鈥檚 health care system
Updated 04 October 2025

GCC secretary general praises region鈥檚 health care system

GCC secretary general praises region鈥檚 health care system
  • Albudaiwi highlighted advances in disease prevention, workforce training and medical services, saying the region now surpasses global averages in health indices

RIYADH: Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, praised the progress of the region鈥檚 health system at the 11th meeting of the Committee of GCC Health Ministers chaired by president of the session Ahmed Al-Awadhi, Kuwaiti minister of health, in Kuwait on Saturday.

Albudaiwi highlighted advances in disease prevention, workforce training and medical services, saying the region now surpasses global averages in health indices, according to a report by the General Secretariat.

鈥淭he GCC countries are working in partnership with the World Health Organization on the project to accredit the Healthy Cities Program, which seeks to achieve the highest level of health and well-being in sustainable and socially effective cities,鈥 he said.

 


Hail camel auction sales top $1.5m

Hail camel auction sales top $1.5m
Updated 04 October 2025

Hail camel auction sales top $1.5m

Hail camel auction sales top $1.5m
  • The 10-day event also gives visitors the chance to enjoy a range of cultural and social activities

RIYADH: Sales at an auction in Hail for rare and distinctive camel breeds topped SR5.7 million ($1.5 million) in its opening week, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event, in Al-Qaid, on the outskirts of the northern city, is one of the largest of its kind in the region and provides an important boost to the local economy.

The 10-day event also gives visitors the chance to enjoy a range of cultural and social activities.

Camel breeding is a revered tradition in the Kingdom and while the animals were once vital for people鈥檚 survival, today they are more valued for their sporting prowess.

The finest racing camels can fetch huge sums at auction. The value of sales in the preliminary round of the 2023 Crown Prince Camel Festival topped SR3 billion.

One of the most expensive camels ever sold was bought by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashed al-Maktoum in 2008 for more than $2.7 million, the WAM news agency reported.