The General Directorate of Civil Defense has resorted to engaging in social media platforms to gain access to a wider audience and directly disseminate safety instructions to pilgrims performing their religious rituals during the holy month of Ramadan.
Brig. Gen. Saleh bin Ali Al Ayed, director of public relations and media at the directorate, highlighted that the Civil Defense coordinated with public telecom companies across the Kingdom to broadcast 4.5 million advisory messages, in addition to using video applications made available through the wide ranging new media outlets, including YouTube, Twitter and the Civil Defense channel.
Al Ayed explained that they have created numerous awareness campaigns for Ramadan catered to the different nationalities that go into the Kingdom in order to perform the holy rituals of Umrah. The main objective of the campaign is to highlight the dangers that the pilgrims might encounter during Umrah, including congestion, health hazards as well the fear of injuries that might result due to shoving around the mataf area.
Pointing out to the importance of using new media tools, Al Ayed explained that these new applications ensure that the Civil Defense’s message and awareness guidelines are comprehended by a larger audience, especially illiterate pilgrims.
Al Ayed elaborated that as part of the Civil Defense’s comprehensive awareness scheme, large screens have been installed in public spaces, including parking lots located at the entry points of the holy city, in addition to the leaflets and handbooks distributed.
An integrated Information Center has also been set up to provide latest updated information and photographs to the local, Arab and foreign media.
