Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure...

Hajj will begin on 7 July, followed by Eid Al Adha on 9 July

Saudi Arabia’s digital regulator, the Communications & Information Technology Commission (CITC), has announced that communications and ICT infrastructure in Makkah (Mecca) and Madinah (Medina) are fully operational ahead of this year’s Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage.

The CITC has ensured that the digital infrastructure in Makkah and Madinah is ready to keep pilgrims connected with loved ones via more than 5,900 towers and more than 11,000 wifi access points in the two holy cities. The CITC has also overseen a 41% increase in 5G towers to reach more than 2,600 5G towers.

Speaking about the upgraded infrastructure, CITC governor Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi said: “This year’s worshippers will benefit from the fastest connections the two holy sites have ever had. With worshippers travelling to Saudi Arabia from around the world, we are ensuring that the pilgrims have the most innovative and interactive Hajj experience.”

In addition, the Saudi Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel announced the launch of the ‘Holodoctor’ service for medical consultations in cooperation with Saudi Telecommunication Company (STC). The service will allow modern medical services to be offered to pilgrims via video conference. These services include inspection, diagnosis and prescribing medication through the Seha virtual hospital in Riyadh.

As of 4 July 2022, statistics issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah showed that roughly 375,918 pilgrims from several nationalities have arrived in Madinah through air and land crossings to perform this year’s Hajj.

GET YOUR FREE 48-PAGE GCC TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY REPORT HERE

In the UAE, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), has launched an online Hajj permit service on Al Hosn App in cooperation with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (GAIAE). The service was introduced with the aim of simplifying Hajj procedures.

For more information, visit www.mohap.gov.ae