E-bracelets to aid pilgrims

MAKKAH: The Ministry of Haj and Umrah has launched an electronic bracelet that stores the personal information of each pilgrim including where the person entered the Kingdom, visa number, passport number and address.
The device also includes data on pilgrims’ licensed service providers, accommodation in Makkah, Madinah or the holy sites, and telephone numbers of those helping them, according to a local media report on Monday.
Eisa Mohammad Rawas, undersecretary for Umrah affairs at the ministry, said the new device would allow better service provision by government and private sector bodies including for those who are lost, elderly and do not speak Arabic.
Rawas said the ministry consulted with travel agents and Umrah companies here and abroad before designing the bracelets. The information can be accessed using a smartphone by employees of the ministry, and security and services bodies. It is inexpensive, lightweight, and water and scratch resistant, he said.