Focus on AI for safety at holy sites

The platform represents a qualitative leap in strengthening sector capabilities, particularly in analyzing trends and predicting potential risks. (SPA)
The platform represents a qualitative leap in strengthening sector capabilities, particularly in analyzing trends and predicting potential risks. (SPA)
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Updated 01 October 2025
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Focus on AI for safety at holy sites

Focus on AI for safety at holy sites
  • The system is managed through a centralized operations center equipped with an advanced user interface, enabling teams to oversee operations with high efficiency and make immediate, precise decisions

RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense showcased its smart monitoring platform for holy sites during Intersec Saudi Arabia 2025, held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

The initiative marks a major step toward adopting the latest artificial intelligence technologies to enhance safety, strengthen security, and increase operational efficiency in emergencies.

The project features a wide network of smart cameras installed at strategic locations within the holy sites, capable of real-time monitoring and predictive analysis of potential incidents, including fires, smoke emissions, abnormal crowding, and medical emergencies.

The system is managed through a centralized operations center equipped with an advanced user interface, enabling teams to oversee operations with high efficiency and make immediate, precise decisions.

It also employs big data analytics to monitor and analyze information in real time, improving coordination between field units and operations rooms, while reducing response time.

The platform represents a qualitative leap in strengthening sector capabilities, particularly in analyzing trends and predicting potential risks.

It will enhance planning and field resource management and ensure the safety of pilgrims and Umrah performers during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.

 


Saudi Arabia and Japan mark 70 years of diplomacy in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia and Japan mark 70 years of diplomacy in Riyadh
Updated 04 November 2025
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Saudi Arabia and Japan mark 70 years of diplomacy in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia and Japan mark 70 years of diplomacy in Riyadh
  • Bilateral ties play a crucial role in promoting regional and global stability, says Saudi official
  • ‘Tireless work between the two friendly countries can push mutual relations to a new stage’

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Japan held a ceremony in the capital Riyadh on Monday to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between their countries.

During a speech, Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khereiji highlighted the strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and Japan. He said that their cooperation, which began in 1955, plays a crucial role in promoting regional and global stability and prosperity.

“The tireless work between the two friendly countries can push mutual relations to a new stage,” he said. Al-Khereiji highlighted that the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 established a comprehensive strategic partnership to achieve common goals, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

He expressed the Kingdom’s desire to enhance its relationship with Japan and achieve greater growth and prosperity for both countries, the SPA added.

Saudi Arabia is the primary supplier of crude oil to Japan, and Japan has become a significant partner for the Kingdom in trade and investment. Under Saudi-Japan Vision 2030, the two countries have agreed to enhance cooperation, including efforts in decarbonization, as highlighted in a blog post by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.