Latest news with #GeneralDirectorateofPublicSecurity
Saudi Gazette
08-06-2025
- Saudi Gazette
A Saudi platform powered by AI to serve pilgrims
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The Saudi Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Public Security, and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) launched a smart platform powered by artificial intelligence. The platform represents a qualitative leap in integrating modern monitoring and reconnaissance technologies to support decision-makers in managing crowds and ensuring the safety of pilgrims. It relies on advanced technologies that combine remote sensing and geographic information systems to analyze satellite images with high accuracy. The smart platform represents an ambitious model for digital transformation within the goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, and embodies Saudi Arabia's commitment to employing the latest global technologies to serve the guests of God and ensure their security in the holy sites. It also contributes to raising the efficiency of security surveillance and survey technologies and improving field response by providing relevant authorities with comprehensive statistics and data. It also offers mechanisms for monitoring changes in surface temperatures, particularly in heat islands, in addition to detecting irregular patterns. The platform displays statistics and comparisons between data from the current season and previous seasons, contributing to future planning and the development of services provided to pilgrims and Umrah performers. Many security sectors affiliated with the General Directorate of Public Security benefit from the platform's services, across various vital sectors, during the Hajj season. This enhances coordination between various government agencies and supports an integrated response to potential challenges.
CairoScene
30-05-2025
- CairoScene
Saudi Arabia Deploys Drones to Monitor Unauthorised Hajj Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia enhances Hajj safety with drone surveillance to detect unauthorised access and enforce permit regulations. Saudi Arabia has introduced drone surveillance technology to support security operations during Hajj 2025, as part of the ongoing 'No Hajj Without a Permit' campaign. The initiative aims to prevent unauthorised individuals from entering Makkah and participating in the pilgrimage without official documentation. According to the General Directorate of Public Security, drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, and artificial intelligence are being deployed to monitor access points and remote desert areas. The surveillance technology is designed to detect violators attempting to enter restricted zones and to relay real-time data to security patrols for immediate response. Recent footage released by authorities showed drones identifying a suspicious vehicle transporting unauthorised pilgrims. The vehicle's location was shared with security teams, leading to its interception and the arrest of the individuals involved. Under current regulations, unauthorised attempts to access Hajj sites carry fines of up to SAR 20,000 for individuals and up to SAR 100,000 for those facilitating such violations. Additional penalties include imprisonment, deportation for expatriates, a 10-year re-entry ban, and potential vehicle confiscation.
Gulf Insider
28-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Drones Spot Illegal Hajj Pilgrims
Ahead of the Hajj, Saudi Arabia has intensified its security measures by deploying advanced drone technology to detect and intercept unauthorized pilgrims attempting to enter the holy sites without official permits. A video released by the General Directorate of Public Security shows a drone patrolling a remote desert route. Equipped with a high-resolution camera, the drone spots a suspicious vehicle suspected of carrying undocumented pilgrims. It then relays the vehicle's location to ground patrols, who quickly move in and detain the violators. Officials say the drones, operating 24/7, are a key component of this year's enhanced security operations. They monitor high-risk areas and provide real-time footage to command centres staffed by trained security analysts. 'This video shows how technology is helping protect Hajj,' said a Ministry of Interior spokesperson. 'Unauthorized pilgrims pose safety and logistical challenges. We are determined to prevent such violations.' The operation is part of the broader 'No Hajj Without a Permit' campaign, aimed at ensuring that only authorized individuals participate in the pilgrimage. This policy helps control overcrowding, reduce strain on resources, and maintain the overall safety of millions of pilgrims. Authorities are also targeting the networks behind unauthorized attempts. Drivers, organizers, and illegal tour operators are being identified and face serious consequences, including arrest, fines, and deportation for non-citizens. 'We're not just stopping individuals; we're dismantling the operations that support them,' the official added. Saudi officials are urging all pilgrims to respect the laws and obtain official permits. With the support of drone surveillance and advanced monitoring systems, the Kingdom is reinforcing its commitment to protecting the sanctity and safety of Hajj.
Gulf Insider
26-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
4 Kyrgyz And Indonesian Nationals Arrested In Makkah For Fake Hajj Campaign
Police in the Makkah region have arrested two Kyrgyz residents for posting fraudulent advertisements targeting visit visa holders, misleading them into believing they could perform Hajj without a permit. The two suspects facilitated the transport of 87 visit visa holders and sheltered them in two rented locations within the city of Makkah for a fee. Legal action has been taken against them, and they have been referred to the Public Prosecution. The visa violators have also been referred to the relevant authorities to face legal penalties. In a related incident, security patrols in Makkah have arrested two Indonesian residents for engaging in fraud by posting deceptive advertisements on social media for fake Hajj campaigns. In the advertisement, they falsely promised accommodation and transportation services for pilgrims within the holy sites. They were referred to the Public Prosecution after taking the necessary legal action. The General Directorate of Public Security urged citizens and residents to adhere to Hajj regulations and guidelines and to report about violators by calling over the phone 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, and the Eastern Province or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Saudi Gazette
25-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
4 Kyrgyz and Indonesian nationals arrested in Makkah for fake Hajj campaign
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Police in the Makkah region have arrested two Kyrgyz residents for posting fraudulent advertisements targeting visit visa holders, misleading them into believing they could perform Hajj without a permit. The two suspects facilitated the transport of 87 visit visa holders and sheltered them in two rented locations within the city of Makkah for a fee. Legal action has been taken against them, and they have been referred to the Public Prosecution. The visa violators have also been referred to the relevant authorities to face legal penalties. In a related incident, security patrols in Makkah have arrested two Indonesian residents for engaging in fraud by posting deceptive advertisements on social media for fake Hajj campaigns. In the advertisement, they falsely promised accommodation and transportation services for pilgrims within the holy sites. They were referred to the Public Prosecution after taking the necessary legal action. The General Directorate of Public Security urged citizens and residents to adhere to Hajj regulations and guidelines and to report about violators by calling over the phone 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, and the Eastern Province or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.
