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Hajj Ministry Uses Tech for Security Preparations at Holy Sites

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mohammed Salih Bentin, has confirmed the existence of a highly equipped control room of the ministry within the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah to monitor and follow up on the grouping of pilgrims and the congestions on the streets.

He said the ministry is fully aware and knows exactly who comes to the Holy Land with the intention of performing worship and pilgrimage rituals, and to visit the Prophet’s Mosque, a local newspaper reported.

“The role of the ministry is to make sure that all food, transportation and housing services are provided for the guests of God in all of the locations inside the Kingdom. The relevant security bodies are ready to deal with anyone who comes to these sites without the intentions of faith and worship,” said the minister.

To safeguard against the possibility of any terrorist attacks, stampedes or any other accidents, the officials of the Saudi ministry installed thousands of Closed-circuit Television Cameras (CCTV).

The minister said during a visit to the Tawafa Establishment for Pilgrims from Arabophone States that he was briefed on the preparedness of the Unified Zamzam Office to receive the pilgrims and visitors.

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The minister discussed with the acting Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tawafa Establishment for Pilgrims from Arabophone States Mohammad Ma’aajini and the members of the Board of Directors the preparations for the upcoming Hajj season, which will witness around 280,000 Arabophone pilgrims performing the holy rituals from 19 Arabophone countries.

Board member of the administration for the management of the holy sites and public relations, Mohammad Ibrahim, said the department takes great interest in guiding pilgrims through their journey in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Hajj, noting that this year the department will depend more on electronic outreach through various social media accounts or through the television screens scattered throughout housing areas for pilgrims.

These screens will show a number of awareness programs, and will highlight the proper ways to perform the pilgrimage in Makkah and the holy sites, pointing out that in past years these public outreach programs have had a significant impact on the extent of awareness among Arabophone pilgrims.