海角直播

Makkah royal commission leads 海角直播鈥檚 push to streamline Hajj operations

海角直播 has launched a high-tech data driven system for Hajj this year with upgraded facilities and streamlined efforts. (SPA)
海角直播 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 海角直播鈥檚 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: 海角直播 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.




海角直播 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.


鈥楾aste of Saudi Culture鈥 to delight London foodies

Guests will be welcomed with premium coffee 鈥 a timeless symbol of Saudi hospitality. (File photo/X: @MOCCulinary)
Guests will be welcomed with premium coffee 鈥 a timeless symbol of Saudi hospitality. (File photo/X: @MOCCulinary)
Updated 14 June 2025

鈥楾aste of Saudi Culture鈥 to delight London foodies

Guests will be welcomed with premium coffee 鈥 a timeless symbol of Saudi hospitality. (File photo/X: @MOCCulinary)
  • From jareesh to rose-infused ice cream, the Kingdom serves up flavor, tradition, hospitality

RIYADH: For the third year in a row, 海角直播鈥檚 Culinary Arts Commission will participate in the Taste of London food festival, held in Regent鈥檚 Park from June 18 to 22.

Through its 鈥淭aste of Saudi Culture鈥 pavilion, the commission promotes cultural exchange, showcases the richness of Saudi culinary heritage, and highlights the Kingdom鈥檚 culinary excellence.

Guests will be welcomed with premium coffee 鈥 a timeless symbol of Saudi hospitality. (File photo/X: @MOCCulinary)

The pavilion will feature immersive activities celebrating the diversity of Saudi cuisine, including live cooking demonstrations by skilled Saudi chefs.

Visitors will have a rare chance to sample a variety of iconic traditional dishes, each with its own story and flavor 鈥 such as the national dish jareesh, the slow-cooked haneeth, and the savory street favorite mutabbaq.

HIGHLIGHT

Visitors will have a rare chance to sample a variety of iconic traditional dishes, each with its own story and flavor 鈥 such as the national dish jareesh, the slow-cooked haneeth, and the savory street favorite mutabbaq.

Beyond food, the pavilion will include interactive cultural elements reflecting Saudi heritage, such as traditional henna art and colorful Asiri rose headbands.

Guests will be welcomed with premium dates and Saudi coffee 鈥 timeless symbols of Saudi hospitality, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Handcrafted ice cream infused with traditional Saudi ingredients like dates, Taif rose, and Jazan mango will also be served, offering authentic flavors with a modern twist.

A variety of refreshing cold drinks made from local ingredients will complement the experience, the SPA added.

A boutique section will feature signature Saudi products like maamoul (date-filled cookies) and unique Saudi coffee, blending retail, culture, and taste into an immersive journey.

This participation underscores the commission鈥檚 ongoing commitment to celebrating the depth of Saudi culinary arts and sharing the Kingdom鈥檚 vibrant food culture with global audiences.

 


Saudi crown prince discusses Israeli attack on Iran with British, Turkish leaders

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (File)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (File)
Updated 14 June 2025

Saudi crown prince discusses Israeli attack on Iran with British, Turkish leaders

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (File)
  • Prince Mohammed and Starmer discussed latest developments in the region and the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the repercussions of Israel鈥檚 military operations against Iran with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a phone call on Saturday.

The call comes a day after Israel launched a blistering surprise attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing a number of top generals. The two countries continued to trade blows on Saturday.

Prince Mohammed and Starmer discussed the latest developments in the region and the importance of exerting all efforts to de-escalate and resolve disputes through diplomatic means, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Later on Saturday, Prince Mohammed spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders reviewed developments in the region following Israeli strikes on Iran, SPA said. 


Saudi FM receives German counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. (SPA)
Updated 14 June 2025

Saudi FM receives German counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. (SPA)
  • During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. 

During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields.

They also discussed regional and international developments and their implications on the security and stability of the region.


Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call
Updated 14 June 2025

Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, both diplomats discussed discussed measures to support the Syrian people on both humanitarian and economic levels.

Their talks also focused on the latest regional and international updates.


海角直播 arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

海角直播 arrests 9,639 illegals in one week
Updated 14 June 2025

海角直播 arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

海角直播 arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 9,639 people in one week for breaching residency, work, and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Of those, 5,625 were arrested for residency violations, 2,797 for attempting to cross the border illegally, and 1,217 for labor-related offenses.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom 鈥 including providing transportation or shelter 鈥 could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR1 million ($266,000), and the confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported by calling 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.