Saudi Arabia deploys extensive air surveillance system for Hajj pilgrimage

Saudi Arabia deploys extensive air surveillance system for Hajj pilgrimage

ISLAMABAD: The Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, has announced that the Saudi government has deployed an extensive air surveillance system to ensure the safety and security of all the faithful preparing to embark on the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the Kingdom.

In an exclusive interview with APP, Ambassador Al-Malki informed that the system was comprised of advanced aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor the movements of the pilgrims and identify any potential security threats from the air.

The aircraft is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including high-definition cameras, thermal imaging devices, and advanced sensors, enabling the detection of any suspicious activities in real time, he added. The small and maneuverable UAVs, meanwhile, monitored the crowds and areas inaccessible to the aircraft, providing a comprehensive view of the entire pilgrimage area.

This air surveillance system provided an additional layer of security for pilgrims, ensuring that they could perform their religious duties without fear or apprehension, Ambassador Al-Malki said. He also emphasized that the Saudi government had invested heavily in the air surveillance system to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims during the Hajj season, as part of a broader security framework.

The deployment of thousands of security personnel, the use of advanced technology such as facial recognition systems, and the implementation of health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 were other measures taken by the Saudi government to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims during the Hajj season, he added.

Ambassador Al-Malki underscored the importance of the Hajj pilgrimage as a significant event for Muslims worldwide, and the Saudi government’s investment in advanced security technology demonstrated its commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for all pilgrims.

The Saudi government’s continued investment in advanced security technology highlighted its dedication to improving the Hajj pilgrimage experience for pilgrims coming from all over the world, he maintained.

As the annual pilgrimage to Makkah approaches, the announcement of the air surveillance system serves as a reminder of the meticulous planning and coordination that goes into ensuring the safety and well-being of the millions of pilgrims who make the journey each year.

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