Arafat Foundation will be monitored with new drone cameras and helicopters.

Approximately 3 million Hajj pilgrims from all around the world will participate in the Arafat gathering, where the most important pillar of Hajj will be performed. To prevent any stampede, Saudi authorities announced that this year they will monitor the area of 14 square kilometers where the Muslims will stand for prayer using more large drone cameras instead of helicopters.

For the first time in Mecca this year, a media fair was organized for nearly 2,000 journalists from 80 different countries who came to cover the pilgrimage. The fair was attended by the Saudi Minister of Transport and Infrastructure and the Minister of Communication. The new devices that the civil defense unit will use received the most attention at the stands where the activities of institutions related to Hajj were explained. It was reported that with the large drone cameras, all points in Arafat will be closely monitored to facilitate rapid intervention in case of any overcrowding or negativity. The visit to Arafat, which will be realized by more than 3 million Hajj pilgrims described as the ‘great gathering of Muslims,’ will be monitored in real-time using drones and helicopters to prevent any mishaps.

Preparations for the Arafat visit of the Hajj pilgrims have been completed. According to information obtained from Saudi officials, among the many precautions taken to avoid any negativity or stampede, the use of drones and helicopters is included.

Arafat, located about 25 kilometers east of Mecca, will be monitored from the air by helicopters and drones. The aim is to prevent any potential negativity by instantly analyzing the captured images.

“Smart robot” Zumba will also be in duty

It was stated that a new application will be implemented in Arafat this year. As part of the project that was first implemented as a pilot last year, electric scooters will also serve the pilgrims in the region. Pilgrim candidates who define their credit cards to the application they will download to their mobile phones will be able to use these vehicles for 126 riyals per day. Pilgrims will be able to travel comfortably between Muzdalifah-Mina and the Grand Mosque with these two-wheeled electric vehicles. However, it has not been seen that this rental system has been implemented around the Grand Mosque. In addition, special electric vehicles for disabled or elderly pilgrims will also be in service in the region.

On the other hand, it is planned for robots equipped with artificial intelligence to serve the pilgrims and visitors who will perform Umrah in the coming years. The aim is to contribute to the guidance of pilgrims in the visit areas by the interactive service robot Zumba with artificial intelligence. It is planned that the “smart robot” Zumba, which can provide voice service in many languages including Turkish, will start serving in many points in the coming years.