Riyadh: The Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Public Security, along with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), has announced the launch of a smart platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The platform marks a significant advancement in integrating modern surveillance and reconnaissance technologies to support decision-makers in crowd management and ensure the safety of pilgrims. Utilizing advanced technologies, the platform combines remote sensing and geographic information systems to analyze satellite images with high precision, offering a comprehensive view of the Two Holy Mosques and the surrounding holy sites.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the smart platform is a part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, demonstrating Saudi Arabia's commitment to deploying the latest global technologies in AI to serve pilgrims and Umrah performers in a secure environment. The initiative aims to develop the knowledge infrastructure and enhance the quality of services provided at the Two Holy Mosques, thereby achieving top standards of security and safety.

The platform offers a broad view of the landscape for managing large crowds during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. It boosts the efficiency of security surveillance and survey technologies and enhances field response by providing relevant authorities with comprehensive data and statistics. Additionally, it includes mechanisms for monitoring surface temperature changes, particularly heat islands, and detecting irregular patterns.

The platform also displays statistics and comparisons between data from the current and previous seasons, aiding in future planning and service development for pilgrims and Umrah performers. Various security sectors affiliated with the General Directorate of Public Security benefit from the platform's services during the Hajj season, enhancing coordination among government agencies and supporting a unified response to potential challenges.