Latest news with #GeneralAuthority
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Business
New food rules in Saudi: What you need to know about them
Image credit: Getty Images The Saudi Food and Drug Authority ( Read- Under the new rules, food establishments—both physical and online—must include detailed nutritional information on all menus. Among the key requirements is a new 'saltshaker' label for meals high in sodium, visible caffeine content disclosures for beverages, and an indication of the estimated physical activity time needed to burn off the calories in a dish. These regulations also extend to digital food ordering platforms, a According to the SFDA, the initiative is designed to promote healthier food options, raise awareness of dietary habits, and help consumers manage their salt and caffeine intake in accordance with global health recommendations. World Health Organisation (WHO) advise The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that adults should limit sodium consumption to no more than 5 grams of salt per day—roughly one teaspoon. For caffeine, WHO recommends a maximum of 400 mg per day for adults and 200 mg for pregnant women. To support both compliance and public awareness, the SFDA has made resources available. Consumers and food establishments can access a ' The full technical regulations, covering high-salt meal labeling, caffeine disclosures, and calorie burn indicators, can be downloaded from the SFDA's Holy Mosques authority urges health measures for safe worship The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque is also Worshippers are encouraged to wear face masks, use hand sanitizers, wash hands frequently, avoid sharing personal items, and stay well-hydrated, especially during peak heat hours. Visitors should also avoid overcrowding at entry and exit points and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms. Three emergency health centers operated by the Makkah Health Cluster remain open 24/7 to serve visitors. The authority emphasized that these precautions reflect the Saudi government's ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and comfortable worship experience for all.
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Zawya
AI technology tracks real-time pilgrim entry at Grand Mosque gates
MAKKAH — The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has begun deploying advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems with sensor readers at the gates of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. This initiative aims to enhance crowd management by monitoring real-time entry and exit movements and enabling data-driven operational decisions. The AI-powered technology includes smart sensors and cameras installed at major entrances. These devices monitor the number of people entering and exiting, detect congestion points, and track crowd flow throughout the mosque, especially in critical areas like the Mataf (circumambulation area) and Masa (Sa'i corridor). The authority explained that this dual-layered monitoring system helps regulate movement, redistribute pilgrim groups during peak hours, and boost overall safety. By capturing real-time data, the system allows relevant authorities to act quickly, redirect flow, and avoid overcrowding. The smart technology also supports the development of tracking tools for human movement patterns inside the mosque, enabling a more efficient allocation of operational roles and staff. Data analytics further aid in optimizing the flow of worshippers and ensuring smooth access and exit across the mosque's levels. This step is part of the authority's broader strategy to integrate advanced technology in the service of pilgrims. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab News
10-06-2025
- Arab News
Prophet's Mosque prepares prayer areas, courtyards to receive post-Hajj worshippers in Madinah
Madinah: The Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, located in the Hijaz region of Saudi Arabia, has improved and updated its crowd management in preparation to receive worshippers during the post-Hajj period. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, which oversees the mosques in Makkah and Madinah, announced on Tuesday that the Prophet's Mosque and its courtyards and praying areas had been prepared to offer a safe and organized environment for worshippers. The entry and exit points of the mosque were assessed to minimize congestion and overcrowding, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Signs were placed to direct worshippers to the prayer areas and to prohibit sitting or praying in the mosque's corridors and courtyards, ensuring smooth foot traffic. The authority said its goal is to allow worshippers to perform their rituals in a calm, orderly, and reverent atmosphere, according to the SPA. Over 1.4 million pilgrims concluded this week the Hajj, a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage that able Muslims must undertake, and they visited various holy sites in Makkah and Madinah, including the Prophet's Mosque.
Gulf Business
03-06-2025
- Health
- Gulf Business
Hajj 2025 goes hi-tech: 6 innovations transforming the pilgrimage
Image credit: Getty Images In preparation for the Hajj season of 1446 AH, Saudi authorities have rolled out a series of innovative services and infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving safety, comfort, and convenience for millions of pilgrims expected to perform the annual pilgrimage. Read- From advanced cooling technologies at the Grand Mosque to AI-powered smart tents and streamlined logistics, Saudi is combining tradition with innovation to ensure a spiritually enriching and smooth experience for all. World's largest cooling system activated at Grand Mosque To maintain a comfortable environment amid high summer temperatures, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has activated the world's largest cooling system, boasting a total capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tons. The system will serve the Grand Mosque (Masjid Al Haram), ensuring optimal conditions for pilgrims during the physically demanding rituals of Hajj. The cooling infrastructure is supported by two main stations: the Shamiya Station with a capacity of 120,000 tons, and the Ajyad Station with 35,000 tons. These stations regulate indoor temperatures to a pleasant range between 22°C and 24°C, aided by air purification systems that eliminate 95 per cent of airborne impurities. Smart tents and IoT solutions enhance safety and service delivery In a significant technological leap, stc Group has deployed Internet of Things (IoT) systems and Smart Tents to enhance safety, monitoring, and response times during Hajj. The Smart Tents are fitted with sensors and cameras that track environmental metrics such as temperature, humidity, and smoke, offering real-time insight into internal and external conditions. These systems can detect emerging issues and automatically relay alerts to relevant authorities. With access to live data, authorities can respond rapidly to medical, security, or logistical needs, ensuring both safety and efficient crowd management. 'Hajj Without Luggage' service simplifies pilgrimage travel To reduce the physical burden on pilgrims, Saudi Post (SPL) has introduced the 'Hajj Without Luggage' service. This initiative allows for the seamless transfer of luggage from a pilgrim's home or local SPL branch directly to their accommodation at the holy sites—or even to destinations outside Saudi Arabia. The service enhances convenience by removing the need for pilgrims to carry their belongings between sites. After Hajj, luggage can be collected from a pilgrim's residence and delivered to their registered National Address, with tracking available via the SPL app or website. Haramain high-speed railway boosts transport efficiency To meet the high demand for transportation during the pilgrimage season, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) is operating hourly trips on the Haramain High Speed Railway between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Makkah. These fast, electric trains reach speeds up to 300 km/h, enabling rapid and efficient transit for arriving pilgrims. SAR has scheduled more than 4,700 trips for the Hajj period, marking one of the largest operations in the railway's history and significantly reducing travel time and logistical strain. Water cooling project in Arafat to serve 140,000 pilgrims per hour The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has launched a large-scale water supply project at Namirah Mosque in Arafat, aimed at reducing heat stress and ensuring easy access to drinking water. The initiative includes the deployment of 70 cooling units, each capable of producing 1,000 liters of cool water per hour. These units are integrated with a new water distribution and sewage network, ensuring hygienic and continuous operation. Collectively, they can serve up to 140,000 pilgrims per hour, making it one of the largest hydration efforts undertaken at a single Hajj site. Interactive map helps pilgrims navigate Grand Mosque services In another digital upgrade, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has introduced a multi-language interactive map designed to help pilgrims navigate the sprawling Grand Mosque complex. The map helps locate key services such as Zamzam water stations, lost and found offices, medical facilities, cart distribution points, and centers for assisting lost individuals. It's part of a wider push to streamline access to resources and simplify rituals for pilgrims of all backgrounds.
Malay Mail
02-06-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Over 3,360 tonnes of Zamzam water bring comfort to Haj pilgrims in 15 days at Prophet's Mosque, say officials
MADINAH, June 1 — A staggering 3,360 tonnes of Zamzam water has been consumed at the Prophet's Mosque in 15 days during this year's Haj season, according to the General Authority for Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported from Dhul-Qi'dah 15 to Dhul-Hijjah 1, some 218,336 bottles of Zamzam water were distributed to worshippers and visitors in both the men's and women's sections of the Prophet's Mosque. It said the authority has significantly intensified its services to accommodate the growing number of worshippers at the Prophet's Mosque. This includes ensuring a continuously accessible supply of Zamzam water in containers and bottles inside the mosque, on its rooftop, and at chilled water drinking points in the courtyards. Furthermore, 301,802 iftar meals were provided to fasting individuals within the Prophet's Mosque, distributed in designated iftar areas. — Bernama-SPA
