Safety first as Saudi firm puts smart tech in the driving seat

The Najm initiative, a collaboration with US-based Cambridge Mobile Telematics and analytics platform AiGenix, will provide an advanced system for measuring driving behavior. (Twittet @najm_ksa)
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The Najm initiative, a collaboration with US-based Cambridge Mobile Telematics and analytics platform AiGenix, will provide an advanced system for measuring driving behavior. (Twittet @najm_ksa)
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Updated 08 July 2024
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Safety first as Saudi firm puts smart tech in the driving seat

Safety first as Saudi firm puts smart tech in the driving seat
  • Under an initiative launched in Riyadh on Monday by Saudi Insurance Services Company (Najm), smart devices installed in vehicles will monitor speed, acceleration, braking, turns, and compliance with traffic regulations
  • Initiative to help reduce road accidents and death rates: Najm CEO

RIYADH: Saudi drivers could soon benefit from pioneering AI technology that will measure driver behavior and provide feedback, helping to improve road safety across the Kingdom.

Under an initiative launched in Riyadh on Monday by Saudi Insurance Services Company (Najm), smart devices installed in vehicles will monitor speed, acceleration, braking, turns, and compliance with traffic regulations.

The telematic technology can analyze data, and evaluate drivers’ risk levels compared with accepted standards.

Drivers will earn rewards and discounts on their vehicle insurance based on their driving habits.

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The telematic technology can analyze data, and evaluate drivers’ risk levels compared with accepted standards.

The Najm initiative, a collaboration with US-based Cambridge Mobile Telematics and analytics platform AiGenix, will provide an advanced system for measuring driving behavior.

AiGenix spokesperson Asad Irshad told Arab News that the service will include AI-driven technology that studies driver behavior based on collected data and offers user assistance to improve driving habits.

“It goes not only from how you drive but when you drive, where you drive, what the road conditions are, what the weather conditions are, and whether that can change the risk factors on the road,” Irshad said.

Mohammed Al-Shehri, CEO of Najm, said that the initiative will help reduce road accidents and death rates, and offer protection against road hazards, helping meet the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.

Najm will also launch a social media awareness program promoting road safety.

“Media is essential in this partnership, especially because the main goal is that we want to raise awareness of road safety in the Kingdom, which began with today’s signing,” Al-Shehri said.

“Through pioneering technology and strategic partnerships with global leaders like CMT and AiGenix, Najm is setting a new standard for road safety in Saudi Arabia. The initiative not only works to improve driving standards, but also creates a qualitative shift in driving behavior and insurance practices, which will enhance safety for all road users, enabling a safer and smarter driving environment across the country.”

William Powers, co-founder and CEO of Cambridge Mobile Telematics, said that the collaboration with Najm is a critical step toward creating safer, smarter roads.

“CMT has rapidly expanded worldwide in the past few years. Today, we power the most sophisticated mobility programs in the world, making roads and drivers safer on five continents, protecting millions of people every day. We are thrilled to partner with Najm on this groundbreaking telematics initiative and to bring safer roads to Saudi Arabia.”

Najm has already partnered with a number of insurance companies to adopt the new telematics system, and encourage customers to use sensors that measure driving behavior and compliance with traffic rules.

 


Saudi Arabia issues royal orders

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. (File/AFP)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. (File/AFP)
Updated 18 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia issues royal orders

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. (File/AFP)

RIYADH: Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz has been appointed as an advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by royal order, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday. 

In another royal decree, Major General Saleh bin Abdulrahman bin Samir Al-Harbi was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed as Head of the Military Apparatus.


Saudi Ministry of Health provides 65,000 health services for worshippers during Ramadan

Saudi Ministry of Health provides 65,000 health services for worshippers during Ramadan
Updated 39 min 56 sec ago
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Saudi Ministry of Health provides 65,000 health services for worshippers during Ramadan

Saudi Ministry of Health provides 65,000 health services for worshippers during Ramadan
  • Medical assistance during first 25 days of holy month includes 52,000 visits to ERs, 10,000 cases of first aid, 3,000 dialysis sessions and 400 surgeries
  • In addition, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority handles more than 46,000 emergency calls in Makkah and Madinah

RIYADH: Thousands of Umrah pilgrims and other visitors to the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah have benefited during Ramadan from medical assistance provided by the Saudi Ministry of Health.

The ministry said on Wednesday that more than 65,000 health services were provided for mosque visitors during the first 25 days of the holy month, which will conclude this weekend. The care forms part of the ministry’s commitment to the safety and well-being of visitors to Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The provided health services included 52,000 visits to emergency departments, 10,000 cases of first aid, 3,000 dialysis sessions, 400 surgeries, and more than 150 cardiac catheterizations.

In addition, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority has handled more 46,000 emergency calls in Makkah and Madinah since the start of Ramadan. Paramedics responded to 31,000 calls in an average of 5 minutes and 48 seconds, and to the remaining 15,000 calls in an average of 5 minutes and 26 seconds.


Saudi Supreme Court urges sighting Shawwal crescent on Saturday evening

Supreme Court is calling on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening.
Supreme Court is calling on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening.
Updated 27 March 2025
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Saudi Supreme Court urges sighting Shawwal crescent on Saturday evening

Supreme Court is calling on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening.
  • Supreme Court called on anyone who sights the crescent moon the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony

RIYADH: The Supreme Court is calling on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening, Ramadan 29, 1446, which corresponds to March 29, 2025.

In an announcement on Thursday, the Supreme Court called on anyone who sights the crescent moon the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony.

The announcement read: “The Supreme Court calls on all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to sight the Shawwal crescent moon on Saturday evening. The Supreme Court requests that anyone who sights it with the naked eye or through binoculars report to the nearest court and register their testimony, or contact the nearest center for assistance in reaching the nearest court. The Supreme Court hopes that those who are able to see it will pay attention to this matter and join the committees formed in the all regions for this purpose, seeking reward and recompense for their participation, as it promotes cooperation in righteousness and piety and benefits all Muslims.”

The sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan that this year began on March 1.


Laylat Al-Qadr: Worshipers pack Holy Mosques for 27th night of Ramadan

Laylat Al-Qadr: Worshipers pack Holy Mosques for 27th night of Ramadan
Updated 27 March 2025
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Laylat Al-Qadr: Worshipers pack Holy Mosques for 27th night of Ramadan

Laylat Al-Qadr: Worshipers pack Holy Mosques for 27th night of Ramadan
  • Makkah’s Grand Mosque received over 4.2 million worshipers on Wednesday night

RIYADH: Millions of Muslims from around the world flocked to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah for the 27th night of Ramadan, where they performed Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers.

In a new record, the Grand Mosque received over 4.2 million worshipers on Wednesday night, according to Al-Ekhbariya.

Worshipers were seeking Laylat Al-Qadr (The Night of Power), one of the most important nights in Islam and is, as stated in the Qur’an, better than a thousand months.

Laylat Al-Qadr falls within the final 10 days of Ramadan but its exact date remains unknown, however it’s widely regarded as falling on the 27th of Ramadan. Mislims are also encouraged to seek this night during the odd-numbered nights of the last 10 days.

Operational plans on Wednesday included preparing the Mataf (Area of Circumambulation) to accommodate 107,000 pilgrims per hour, ensuring a smooth movement inside the Grand Mosque.

Authorities have also equipped 428 escalators and 28 elevators and modern audio systems including 1,300 speakers, in addition to providing power sources with a capacity of up to 90,000 tons to cool the Grand Mosque.

The Makkah region Health Affairs Department has boosted its services through medical centers located within the Grand Mosque and its courtyards to provide medical services to pilgrims. 


New initiative launched to boost agroforestry in Saudi Arabia

New initiative launched to boost agroforestry in Saudi Arabia
Updated 27 March 2025
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New initiative launched to boost agroforestry in Saudi Arabia

New initiative launched to boost agroforestry in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has launched the Agroforestry Action Plan Development Project to enhance environmental sustainability, social development and economic growth.

The project assesses agroforestry conditions, applies global best practices and promotes investment for sustainable forest management, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, it supports environmental sustainability and combats desertification, the SPA added.

As part of the project, the center will activate its December 2024 memorandum with the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry to enhance research collaboration and implement advanced agroforestry techniques.

The initiative aims to restore land, expand vegetation, protect habitats and reduce carbon emissions. It also fosters resilient forest ecosystems and improves forest areas across the Kingdom.

Additionally, the center is advancing sustainable forests through its initiative to plant 60 million trees, rehabilitating 300,000 hectares by 2030.