Riyadh: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has upgraded 11 international airports across 7 countries as part of the Makkah Route Initiative for the year 1446 AH. This initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with several government entities, employs the latest digital technologies powered by data and AI to facilitate the journey for pilgrims.
According to Saudi Press Agency, SDAIA is committed to supporting the initiative annually to ensure smooth travel procedures for pilgrims. The enhancements are designed to streamline the process from departure in their home countries to arrival in Saudi airports and their return journey, allowing pilgrims to travel with ease and comfort.
SDAIA’s technical team is actively monitoring the systems and workstations associated with the initiative at the 11 airports to maintain operational continuity and ensure smooth processes. They also provide continuous technical support to address any emergency malfunctions, aiming to achieve high levels of performance and integration.
Biometric registration stations have been equipped with the latest technologies to provide integrated services for the initiative’s beneficiaries. Additionally, mobile workstations have been deployed to enhance service delivery.
The technical infrastructure has been prepared to the highest standards to ensure the readiness of all entry points, facilitating swift completion of procedures for pilgrims in line with SDAIA’s operational plan. Multiple high-availability tests have been conducted on all systems and technical devices to ensure efficiency, and all necessary technical integrations with relevant entities have been completed to guarantee procedural integration and effective registration of pilgrims’ biometric data.
SDAIA’s efforts for this year’s Hajj aim to integrate with all relevant government sectors to provide optimal services to pilgrims. This aligns with the directives of the Kingdom’s leadership, which emphasize serving the pilgrims as part of the Pilgrim Experience Program, a key initiative of Saudi Vision 2030.
