Saudi Arabia deploys 200 smart screens to monitor Umrah pilgrims

The system is designed to ensure the smooth entry, movement, and exit of pilgrims while maintaining crowd safety.


News Desk March 18, 2025
Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba and pray at the Grand Mosque as Saudi Arabia welcomes back pilgrims for the 2022 haj season, after the kingdom barred foreign travellers over the last two years because of the coronavirus pandemic, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, July 1, 2022. REUTERS

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Saudi authorities have significantly strengthened security in Makkah during the busy Umrah season in Ramadan, deploying over 200 smart screens at the city’s main Control Centre to monitor and manage operations in real time.

The high-tech facility is crucial in implementing and coordinating security measures as millions of pilgrims arrive for their spiritual journey. The system is designed to ensure the smooth entry, movement, and exit of pilgrims while maintaining crowd safety and enabling a rapid response to incidents.

“All neighborhoods and districts are under continuous surveillance,” Saudi officials said, adding that live video feeds are transmitted directly to the operations room at the Grand Mosque. This data is used to monitor crowd flow, detect potential disruptions, and quickly adjust deployment plans.

The Control Centre is fully integrated with the Grand Mosque’s Security Operations Centre and the Unified Operations Centre (911), ensuring seamless communication and coordination among emergency and security services.

Operating 24/7, the high-tech hub is a vital component of the security infrastructure during Ramadan, allowing authorities to track pilgrim movements, assess crowd density, and respond swiftly to any incidents.

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