Latest news with #FahdAl-Jalajel
New Straits Times
08-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Saudi Arabia deploys AI-enabled robots to enhance haj experience
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia is deploying advanced robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to support millions of pilgrims during this year's Hajj season, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque said in a statement. The Kingdom has integrated a range of intelligent systems to improve safety, accessibility, and efficiency in performing rituals, with the Grand Mosque in Makkah serving as a central hub for these innovations. Among the latest advancements is the deployment of the second-generation "Manarat Al-Haramain" robot. Positioned at multiple points across the mosque and its courtyards, the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered robot offers instant access to fatwa services in 15 languages, enabling real-time religious guidance through both speech and text. The Presidency said the initiative is part of its ongoing efforts to keep pace with global digital transformation while enriching the spiritual journey of pilgrims. It added that AI is being harnessed to enhance communication between religious institutions and worshippers of diverse backgrounds. In addition to religious guidance, robotics is also improving healthcare and service logistics at the holy sites. At King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, the Health Ministry has introduced a surgical robot capable of performing complex urology, oncology, thoracic, and gastrointestinal procedures. The system, launched by Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel, is expected to reduce recovery time and improve surgical precision, particularly during the high-demand Hajj period. Meanwhile, the "Zamzam Water Robot", originally introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, continues to distribute bottled Zamzam water in a contactless and efficient manner. Each robot can distribute about 30 bottles per round, operating for up to eight hours and pausing 20 seconds between deliveries to avoid collisions and ensure smooth crowd movement. The Presidency noted that the Zamzam robot has received both patent rights and European CE certification, affirming its safety and operational standards. Smart robots have also been previously used to distribute printed copies of the Qur'an to visitors at the Grand Mosque. "These innovations reflect the Kingdom's broader vision to integrate cutting-edge technology into religious services and enhance the overall pilgrimage experience," the Presidency said. The use of AI and robotics forms part of Saudi Arabia's strategy to lead in the development of religious infrastructure and digital services globally, aligned with the country's Vision 2030 objectives.
Saudi Gazette
30-05-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia elected vice president of WHO Executive Board for 2025–2028 term
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has been elected vice president of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board for the 2025–2028 term during the board's 157th session held recently at WHO headquarters in Geneva. The Kingdom's membership in the Executive Board follows its election during the 78th session of the World Health Assembly, which concluded this week. Saudi Arabia will serve as one of 34 member states tasked with implementing the Assembly's decisions and monitoring priority health programs and policies at both the regional and global levels. The election of Saudi Arabia as vice president of the Executive Board marks a key milestone and reflects growing international confidence in the Kingdom's influence in shaping global public health strategies and supporting WHO's efforts to confront health challenges. The Saudi delegation to the meeting was led by Rakan bin Dahish, Deputy Minister of Health for International Cooperation, on behalf of Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel. The delegation included senior health officials who reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening international collaboration to achieve global health security and promote a more sustainable, resilient healthcare future.
Saudi Gazette
29-05-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Minister of Health inaugurates surgical robot project ahead of Hajj 2025
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel inaugurated the surgical robot project and viewed the advanced PET-CT imaging device, among a group of advanced medical and technical projects, during his inspection visit to King Abdullah Medical City, a member of the Makkah Health Cluster. The surgical robot project is one of the latest medical technologies for performing delicate and complex surgeries in the fields of thoracic surgery, urology, uterine tumors, intestinal tumors, and rectum. It is characterized by its high precision and reduced need for human surgical intervention. It is operated by qualified Saudi surgeons, reflecting the competence of national cadres, contributing to reducing recovery periods, enhancing patient safety, and improving the efficiency of healthcare services provided to patients. The advanced PET-CT scanner is the first of its kind in the Western Region among the Ministry of Health's sectors and is one of the most prominent modern technologies in the field of medical imaging. It is used for early detection and accurate diagnosis of a number of complex medical conditions, including tumors, heart disease, and neurological disorders. It is distinguished by its ability to provide high-quality images that contribute to increasing diagnostic accuracy and improving the efficiency of treatment decisions. This comes as part of the Ministry of Health's preparations for the Hajj season, which aim to provide comprehensive healthcare services according to the highest quality and safety standards, and to ensure a comprehensive health environment that enables pilgrims to perform their rituals with peace of mind and health security.
Roya News
26-05-2025
- Health
- Roya News
Saudi Arabia reveals comprehensive safety plan for Hajj season 2025
Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel confirmed Monday that the general health conditions among Hajj pilgrims remain reassuring, with no outbreaks or epidemic threats detected so far. Speaking at a press conference in Riyadh, Al-Jalajel detailed the Ministry's preparations for the Hajj season, including the deployment of 11 air ambulance aircraft, 900 ambulances, and 71 medical points across the holy sites. Three field hospitals with a combined capacity of over 1,200 beds have been set up in coordination with the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and the National Guard. Additionally, a new emergency hospital with more than 200 beds has been established in Mina, raising the overall hospital bed capacity by 60 percent compared to last year. Al-Jalajel also revealed that critically ill pilgrims have been equipped with smart sensor devices linked to the Virtual Health Hospital—the largest of its kind globally—allowing remote monitoring of their conditions. So far, over 50,000 health services have been delivered through 14 land, air, and sea entry points, with 140 surgeries and 65 cardiac catheterizations performed. The minister stressed that pilgrims' adherence to preventive guidelines is crucial to ensuring a safe and healthy pilgrimage. To mitigate heat stress, the Royal Commission for Makkah and the Holy Sites has planted over 10,000 trees, installed 400 water dispensers, and placed misting fans across key locations. In related announcements, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser said rubberized and cooled walkways have been expanded, and drones are being used to monitor pilgrim movement.
Saudi Gazette
26-05-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Al-Jalajel: No epidemic cases reported among pilgrims
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel confirmed that no epidemic cases have been detected among pilgrims to date. Addressing the government Hajj conference in Makkah on Monday, he said that the bed capacity allotted for the Hajj season of 2025 has been increased by 60 percent compared to last year. Al-Jalajel said that the plans developed by the Supreme Hajj Committee ensure a suitable environment for Hajj. He emphasized the importance of adhering to these plans, ensuring adequate water and umbrellas during high temperatures, and avoiding crowds and long walks. The minister highlighted the importance of pilgrims adhering to preventative measures, grouping instructions, and wearing masks. He urged pilgrims not to hesitate to seek help and assistance in any condition of sickness. He reviewed the ministry's preparations for this year's Hajj, explaining that the ministry's services began simultaneously with the arrival of the first batch of pilgrims through the "Makkah Route" Initiative. Al-Jalajel said that a new emergency hospital with a capacity of 200 beds has been established in Mina. He noted that more than 50,000 health services have been provided to pilgrims across 14 ports. Three field hospitals with a total capacity of over 1,200 beds have also been equipped in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of National Guard. Regarding the technologies used to enhance the Hajj health system, Al-Jalajel confirmed that all hospitals are equipped with advanced technologies for all medical services. He also emphasized the use of technologies provided by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) for monitoring the number of pilgrims, temperatures, and other information. He explained that the SEHA app provides medical services and consultations to pilgrims at their residences, without the need to travel to hospitals. This is achieved through a direct connection to the SEHA Virtual Hospital. "Pilgrims suffering from critical conditions have been equipped with smart sensors to monitor their health conditions. These sensors are connected to the SEHA Virtual Hospital, which is the largest of its kind in the world," he said. Regarding efforts to deal with emergency cases, Al-Jalajel indicated that 11 air evacuation aircraft have been provided for emergency cases, in addition to 900 ambulances, and 71 first aid points staffed by more than 7,500 paramedics.
