The Dubai Ports Authority (DPA), DP World and Dubai Maritime City have joined together in an environmental awareness campaign titled “Save Our Harbor”, to enhance environmental awareness, promote best practices for protecting the marine environment, and reduce pollution in port waters
The campaign focused on raising awareness among maritime sector personnel about the risks of marine pollution resulting from oil waste, hazardous chemical waste, and contaminated wastewater. It also emphasised the importance of complying with approved environmental procedures, implementing proper waste management practices, and ensuring the safe handling of hazardous materials.
As part of the campaign, joint field visits and inspection activities were conducted by Dubai Ports Authority and Dubai Maritime City, covering around 18 vessels at a ship repair yard, to verify that no sewage or contaminated water was being discharged into port waters and to ensure compliance with approved environmental requirements.
Captain Ibrahim AlBlooshi, executive director of Dubai Ports Authority at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, said, “The ‘Keep Our Ports Clean’ campaign reflects our commitment to enhancing environmental awareness among all stakeholders in the maritime sector and unifying efforts to maintain a safe and sustainable marine environment in line with international best practices. The campaign also highlights the importance of partnership and collaboration among relevant entities in supporting environmental sustainability and ensuring the continuity of maritime operations in an efficient and responsible manner”.
He added that the campaign adopts an innovative digital awareness approach, enabling participants to scan a QR code to access digital educational materials, including illustrations and simplified content explaining potential sources of pollution, preventive measures, and the regulations and procedures established by Dubai Ports Authority to protect port waters from contamination.
AlBlooshi further stressed that protecting the marine environment is a shared responsibility that requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders operating within the maritime sector. He noted that Dubai Ports Authority continues to develop environmental and awareness initiatives in line with international best practices, contributing to the sustainability of maritime operations and enhancing environmental quality across Dubai’s ports.
The campaign was implemented with the participation of experts from Dubai Ports Authority, Dubai Maritime City, and DP World’s Health, Safety and Environment Department, as well as marine service providers, personnel working in shipbuilding and repair yards, and vessel crew members.
The Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, has announced the death of 13 workers following an accidental incident at the Barzan Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plant on 21 June
During a press conference held on Monday at the headquarters of QatarEnergy, His Excellency confirmed that the explosion and fire at the Barzan LNG Plant was an 'accidental incident' and was not linked to sabotage or any deliberate act of wrongdoing.
He said the relevant authorities have begun a comprehensive investigation to identify the causes behind the incident.
Al Kaabi confirmed that the deceased workers were from India and Pakistan. He added that among the 66 people injured were citizens and residents from Qatar, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria and Nepal. None of those injured were reported to be in life-threatening condition.
The Minister said the explosion occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. inside the facility, which is operated by QatarEnergy to supply natural gas for domestic requirements. The plant had been temporarily shut down since December 2025 for essential maintenance and repair activities and had resumed operations only two days before the incident.
Emergency response teams from QatarEnergy, working alongside Civil Defense authorities, successfully brought the fire under control and extinguished it, Al Kaabi said.
He expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to their colleagues, while wishing a quick recovery to the injured. He also confirmed that QatarEnergy is providing all necessary support to those affected by the incident.
Al Kaabi stated that QatarEnergy’s LNG facilities, Ras Laffan Port and all logistics operations associated with the energy sector were not impacted by the incident. He confirmed that LNG production and export activities continue as normal.
He further stressed that there are no environmental concerns or risks of hazardous material leakage resulting from the fire. The relevant authorities have monitored the situation since the incident occurred and have not identified any environmental threats requiring action.
Addressing media questions, the Minister said the immediate priorities are to continue monitoring the condition of the victims and injured workers, while completing technical investigations to establish the causes of the incident.
He explained that it remains too early to determine the extent of material damage or associated financial losses, as assessments and investigations are still ongoing.
Regarding the potential impact of the plant shutdown on domestic gas supplies, Al Kaabi noted that while the facility is an important source of natural gas for local industrial sectors, including petrochemicals and fertilisers, Qatar has reserve capacity and alternative operational measures in place to ensure uninterrupted supply.
He confirmed that the incident has not affected LNG exports or Qatar’s contractual commitments to international customers, with production and export operations at other facilities continuing without disruption.
On the timeline for the plant’s return to full operations, Al Kaabi said it was premature to provide a specific timeframe. He explained that the schedule would depend on the findings of the technical investigation and the completion of detailed damage assessments by engineering and maintenance teams once they access the affected area.
The Minister also confirmed that the incident would not affect Qatar’s future energy sector plans, stating that expansion projects and strategic initiatives remain on schedule.
Discussing safety measures, Al Kaabi highlighted that industrial facilities across Qatar operate under strict occupational safety and security regulations. He said the ongoing investigation would examine all possible causes, including human error, technical issues, equipment failures and other operational factors.
He added that the investigation findings would help determine the exact causes of the incident and support the implementation of corrective measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. He reaffirmed that Qatar’s energy sector follows the highest internationally recognised safety standards.
Concluding the press conference, Al Kaabi reiterated QatarEnergy’s commitment to transparency throughout the investigation process. He said the findings would be made public once the investigation is completed, while the company continues to provide care and assistance to the injured workers and the families of those who lost their lives.
The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) is using its 20-year legacy to spearhead the next chapter of sustainable development within the nation's built environment as the United Arab Emirates accelerates its ambitious journey towards achieving Net Zero by 2050
Recently, the Council hosted an anniversary gala, ‘Celebrating 20 Years of Sustainable Impact’. This milestone event brought together industry pioneers, partners, and government leaders to commemorate two decades of landmark achievements. The gathering launched a renewed mission that focuses entirely on future-proofing buildings across the UAE for a resilient, decarbonised world.
As a cornerstone of the UAE's sustainable building movement, the Council is doubling down on its commitment to drive environmental transformation. With the building sector currently causing a significant portion of the country's carbon emissions, EmiratesGBC's future focus plays a critical role in meeting national climate goals. The organisation's work will drive the deep retrofitting, new construction standards, and circular economy principles that the UAE needs to successfully achieve its Net Zero by 2050 ambition.
Khalid Bushnaq, chairman of EmiratesGBC, emphasised the urgency of this new chapter: “The immediacy of our climate goals means sustainability no longer serves as a luxury or an afterthought, but as a core responsibility we owe to the world and future generations. We feel immensely proud of the foundational role EmiratesGBC has played, but the challenge ahead requires us to act bolder. Our focus remains squarely on the future, as we ensure the built environment enables an equitable and sustainable life for all.”
EmiratesGBC used the event to announce the upcoming launch of ‘The Sustainability Lounge’ to actively accelerate public engagement in this vital mission. EmiratesGBC designed this new podcast series to extend the critical conversation surrounding sustainability beyond industry professionals. This initiative will bring important discussions about green buildings and sustainable living directly to the people who live and work in these spaces, making the wider public active participants in the sustainability journey.
Two decades of foundational achievements solidly support EmiratesGBC’s forward-looking mission. Since its inception in 2006, when the World Green Building Council recognised it as the eighth green building council, EmiratesGBC has acted as a pivotal force
Key historical milestones include:
• Regional Leadership: The Council’s instrumental role in establishing the WorldGBC MENA Network, alongside launching the respected MENA Green Building Awards, has firmly solidified its leadership position.
• Regulatory Influence: Furthermore, EmiratesGBC has played an instrumental role in shaping the UAE’s broader regulatory landscape over the years.
• Policy Development: Its collaborative work alongside major governmental bodies—including the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and Dubai's Supreme Council of Energy—has produced tangible policies. These successes include national retrofitting guidelines and vital energy benchmarking frameworks.
Outlining the Council's strategy, EmiratesGBC chief executive officer, Abdullatif Albitawi, commented: “Our role as a convener remains more critical than ever. We are creating the platforms where we forge the solutions for our Net Zero ambitions. The MENA Green Building Awards will continue to spotlight the tangible innovations our region can produce, while our Annual Congress will provide the space where the industry collaborates, challenges, and learns, ensuring we all leave better equipped to build the future.”
Arabian Gulf Steel Industries provided Platinum Sponsorship for the 20th-anniversary celebration, which served as the official launchpad for an intensified focus on the future, reaffirming shared commitments to meeting the UAE's ambitious climate targets.
Qatar's Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has reported a major safety milestone in the construction of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences buildings at Qatar University (QU), recording more than 5,460,209 incident-free work hours without any reported injuries as of April 2026
This achievement underscores its continued focus on maintaining the highest standards of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), alongside robust risk management systems and strong worker protection measures, especially across high-risk construction activities.
The project’s OSH team is actively carrying out structured training initiatives and simulation exercises for permit-required confined space entry operations, which are among the most sensitive and high-risk activities on construction sites, in accordance with Qatar Construction Specifications (QCS 2014) and recognised international best practices.
These initiatives are designed to improve field team preparedness and strengthen rapid emergency response capabilities through hands-on training and ongoing coordination with medical response personnel and emergency services, thereby reinforcing a preventive safety culture and enhancing overall workplace safety performance.
Ashghal implements an integrated hazard management system for confined spaces, which includes work permits, detailed hazard identification and risk assessments, atmospheric testing, oxygen level monitoring, and verification of the absence of hazardous gases.
The system further incorporates ventilation controls, gas detection equipment, rescue systems, and personal protective equipment (PPE), in addition to continuous monitoring of operational conditions throughout all stages of project execution.
The Authority stressed that this approach reflects its commitment to protecting lives and ensuring a safe, sustainable, and irreducible safety framework for workers operating in high-risk environments, while reinforcing a culture of occupational safety and health across all projects.
This is aligned with recognised international standards and supports the achievement of excellence in infrastructure delivery.
Bahrain Network (BNET), the national company responsible for providing fibre-based broadband network in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced that it has surpassed 1,008,873 safe work hours without a single Lost Time Injury (LTI)
Recorded since January 2023, this achievement reflects the company’s strong Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) culture, its safety leadership and its commitment to the highest workplace safety standards.
This milestone is the result of collective efforts and proactive practices driven by the collective commitment of BNET’s leadership, workforce, and partners, the company says. By adhering to the highest compliance standards in occupational health and safety systems across all infrastructure operations and administrative tasks, BNET continues to strengthen its HSE governance framework.
Amal Saleh AlMannai, director of Talent Management and Development at BNET, said, “Reaching one million safe work hours is a living testament to the robust safety culture we have built at BNET. This achievement reflects the vigilance and dedication of our employees and partners, confirming that our pursuit of operational excellence always begins with protecting our human capital. We remain committed to fostering a work environment where safety is at the heart of everything we do.”
Ali AlHaddad, Health and Safety Manager at BNET, added, “Surpassing this milestone reflects our continuous commitment to implementing the highest HSE standards across all company sites and operations. It underscores the success of our proactive approach in instilling a culture of prevention and awareness among all staff and partners. We will continue to evolve and enhance our safety practices to ensure a safe and sustainable work environment that supports operational efficiency and service continuity.”
By prioritising the safety of its workforce and partners, the company continues to support a sustainable fibre-optic infrastructure across the Kingdom, contributing to Bahrain’s digital future through safe and efficient operations.
The Umm Al Quwain Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the UAE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Thumbay University Hospital to improve healthcare for the business community
The agreement sets out a framework for joint initiatives, shared expertise, and specialised healthcare services and benefits for Chamber members and the wider Umm Al Quwain community, the rationale being that if the business community has better to quality healthcare, the whole community benefits. Under the partnership, the two sides will work together to design member benefits, exchange knowledge across the economic and healthcare fields, and support sustainable development throughout the Emirate. Continuing development of the collaboration is planned, with both parties committed to finding new areas where their strengths overlap.
“Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and their well-being matters as much as their business success,” said H.E. Ahmed Obaid Ibrahim Al Ali, director general of the UAE Chamber. “This partnership with Thumbay University Hospital gives them and their families real value: trusted healthcare services, closer to home. It also reflects how we see the Chamber’s role, which is not only to support commerce, but to improve life across Umm Al Quwain.”
“Healthy communities and thriving economies go hand in hand,” said Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay, vice president of Thumbay Healthcare. “By working with the Umm Al Quwain Chamber, we can bring our medical expertise directly to the people building the Emirate’s future. We are proud to stand alongside the Chamber in serving this community, and this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together.”
The signing reflects a wider movement across the UAE, where public and private institutions are coming together to raise the quality of life and build more resilient communities.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has launched its annual awareness campaign, “Your Safety is Our Priority,” to enhance public safety and strengthen community awareness and participation during the summer season
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the heat-related risks during the summer, promoting safe practices in the use of electricity and gas, enhancing energy and water efficiency, and encouraging conservation amid rising summer temperatures. The campaign supports the Department’s integrated approach to raising awareness of safety and sustainable resource use across sectors.
These safety messages and safe practices will be disseminated through a programme of community awareness sessions and field visits across different areas of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, including Abu Dhabi Majlis, municipal presence centres, and field visits to residential, commercial, and industrial facilities, as well as Barakat Aldar social clubs, part of the Family Development Foundation. These sessions will help broaden outreach, foster greater community engagement and promote a culture of safety and sustainability throughout the Emirate. They are being coordinated in collaboration with strategic partners and relevant stakeholders and will cover a range of public safety topics, including the safe use of household appliances, fire prevention measures, precautions during periods of extreme summer heat, and practical guidance on reducing electricity and water consumption and improving efficiency. The campaign will also emphasise the importance of behavioural awareness and sustainable practices that support quality of life and align with Abu Dhabi’s long-term sustainability goals.
H.E. Engineer Ahmed Al Sheebani, executive director of the Petroleum Products Regulatory Affairs Sector at the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, said, “Enhancing community safety and security is a strategic priority for the Department of Energy and is rooted in fostering a culture of awareness, prevention, and shared responsibility. This contributes to protecting lives and property while strengthening preparedness across society and key sectors. Through this campaign, the Department continues its efforts to raise awareness of safe gas and electricity practices and reinforce compliance with safety requirements during the summer season, in collaboration with partners and relevant stakeholders, including facilities that utilise gas systems.”
His Excellency added, “The ‘Your Safety is Our Priority’ campaign demonstrates the Department’s commitment to promoting safety and security and raising community awareness of the importance of adopting preventive practices and safe behaviours in everyday life. These efforts contribute to reducing risks and enhancing community safety.”
H.E. Engineer Ahmed Al Falasi, executive director of the Energy Efficiency Sector at the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, said, “The ‘Use It Wisely’ campaign reinforces the Department of Energy’s focus on enhancing energy and water efficiency and promoting a culture of responsible consumption among members of the community. This year, the campaign complements and integrates with the ‘Your Safety is Our Priority’ campaign during the summer, supporting the Department’s work to raise awareness of safe and responsible behaviours and practices and encouraging community members to adopt usage patterns that promote safety, efficiency, and help reduce unsustainable practices. Through their awareness programmes and diverse community activities, both campaigns contribute to the Emirate’s goals of sustainable resource use and enhancing quality of life.”
Qatar's Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign on heat stress as part of its efforts to reduce work-related injuries caused by high temperatures and to prevent occupational diseases and injuries associated with workplace conditions.
The campaign is designed to raise awareness of the symptoms of heat stress and outline effective preventive measures. It also seeks to educate occupational health and safety officers in companies operating in Qatar on the importance of implementing necessary safeguards to prevent heat-related injuries, supporting the development of safe and healthy working environments.
As part of the initiative, MoPH has developed awareness materials in multiple languages, which will be distributed across workplaces and shared through social media platforms and the Ministry’s official website. The aim is to reach a broad audience, particularly workers.
The Ministry is also delivering awareness lectures on heat stress, its prevention, and the respective responsibilities of both workers and employers. These sessions are intended to encourage healthy practices during periods of high temperatures and promote the adoption of preventive measures to safeguard health.
In addition, MoPH, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, is conducting training workshops on heat stress risks, preventive strategies, and emergency response procedures. The workshops also provide guidance on maintaining safe working conditions during summer, address the impact of sunlight on eye health, and highlight risks linked to exposure. The importance of protective equipment, including safety glasses for outdoor work, is also emphasised.
The Ministry’s ongoing efforts, including its heat stress awareness campaigns, play a key role in strengthening public understanding of the risks associated with heat stress.
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo and the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, discussed the ongoing ILO-Saudi Arabia Programme of Cooperation at a meeting in Geneva on 4 June
Now in its third phase, the programme is aimed at supporting labour market development, strengthening institutions and enhancing worker protection. The third phase, launched last year, builds on progress achieved since 2018 during the first two phases of the programme, which laid the foundations for labour reform in Saudi Arabia, supporting the development of national employment policies, advancing occupational safety and health standards, strengthening social dialogue institutions and promoting fundamental principles and rights at work. The collaboration has contributed to improvements in female labour force participation, social dialogue mechanisms, skills governance and labour inspection systems.
Recent successes have included a comprehensive situational analysis of forced labour in the Kingdom, the adoption by the Ministry of the ILO’s Skills for Trade and Economic Diversification (STED) methodology to strengthen skills anticipation systems, and capacity-building initiatives for sector skills councils and the Occupational Safety and Health Council. The programme has also supported training activities for cooperative owners and Ministry staff.
The current phase of cooperation will focus on strengthening social dialogue, labour mobility and recruitment systems, protections for domestic workers, access to justice and social protection, labour inspection and occupational safety and health systems, and stronger skills governance. It will also contribute to the effective implementation of the international labour standards ratified by the Kingdom.
Minister of Human Resources and Social Development of Saudi Arabia, Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, said, “Saudi Arabia’s labour market transformation is guided by a clear commitment to economic competitiveness while ensuring social progress. Our continued cooperation with the ILO reflects our shared ambition to build a more inclusive, resilient and future-ready labour market. One that expands opportunities, enhances protections for all workers, and supports the Kingdom’s national priorities and ambitions.”
ILO director-general Gilbert F. Houngbo added, “This ongoing phase of cooperation reflects the value of continued collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the ILO to support progress towards a more inclusive and resilient labour market, with greater opportunities and rights for all workers, and to advance decent work for all in the Kingdom.”
The travel and hospitality industry is undergoing a profound transformation, and at the forefront of this shift is Red Sea Global (RSG). As the pioneering developer behind the regenerative tourism destinations of The Red Sea and AMAALA, RSG has recently reached a monumental milestone in its environmental commitments.
In a significant announcement made in Riyadh on the 3rd of June 2026, the organisation revealed that it had successfully avoided an impressive 117,879 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) throughout 2024. Crucially, this achievement has been independently verified by the third-party organisation DNV, confirming the substantial impact of RSG's renewable energy and low-carbon operations. These figures represent the volume of emissions that would have otherwise been released into the atmosphere had the developer relied upon conventional energy and transport systems.
To truly grasp the magnitude of this achievement, one must put these figures into perspective. Avoiding nearly 118,000 tonnes of emissions is the environmental equivalent of taking almost 27,500 cars off the road for an entire year. Alternatively, it matches the total elimination of electricity usage for 24,500 households. Raed Albasseet, the Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at Red Sea Global, highlighted the significance of these numbers, stating, “Avoiding nearly 118,000 tonnes of emissions at this stage of development shows what is possible when sustainability is built in from the outset. As our destinations scale, so too will this impact”.
The lion's share of these avoided emissions can be attributed directly to RSG’s unwavering commitment to renewable energy solutions. Rather than relying on traditional fossil fuels, The Red Sea destination is powered entirely by 100% renewable electricity. This colossal operational shift is supported by an infrastructure that includes more than 760,000 solar panels. Furthermore, to ensure that this clean energy is not merely a daytime luxury, RSG has implemented a large-scale battery storage facility. This infrastructure guarantees a round-the-clock supply of clean power, redefining the energy standards for large-scale luxury tourism.
Beyond stationary energy consumption, Red Sea Global has also heavily invested in decarbonising its transport networks. Across its operations, the company runs a steadily growing fleet of electric vehicles and buses. This modern transport ecosystem is supported by an extensive network of 150 charging stations, all of which are directly powered by the destination's own renewable grid. In the aviation sector, the Red Sea International Airport has taken proactive steps by introducing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Lower-Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF) for its seaplane operations. Furthermore, the airport is actively collaborating with airline partners to expand the availability of SAF for incoming passenger flights.
Together, these multifaceted measures represent significant progress towards RSG’s overarching ambition: to achieve net-zero emissions across Scope 1 and 2 by the year 2030. Moreover, these independently verified results play a crucial role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader national objectives, particularly Vision 2030 and the Circular Carbon Economy Framework. By contributing to the Kingdom’s ambition to reach net-zero emissions by 2060, RSG is setting a global benchmark. By seamlessly pairing technological innovation with strict scientific accountability, Red Sea Global continues to demonstrably prove that regenerative tourism is a practical reality capable of delivering measurable, large-scale climate impact.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced plans to increase the rate of local employment to 70% across a dozen procurement professions.
The move, part of efforts to expand Saudisation rates across the country, was effective from 31 May, The Saudi Gazette reported.
It noted that the rules apply to private sector firms employing three or more workers in the targeted professions, which include warehouse manager, procurement manager and logistics manager.
Other professions named include contracts manager, tender specialist, market research specialist and e-commerce specialist, among others.
“The Ministry’s inspection teams have commenced monitoring the implementation of the decision across targeted establishments to ensure compliance with the prescribed Saudisation rates and the localisation of the designated professions,” The Saudi Gazette reported on 1 June.
Legal penalties will be imposed on companies that fail to comply after a specified deadline, it added.
“This decision forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to increase Saudisation rates across a range of professions, in alignment with the objectives of the labour market strategy aimed at supporting Saudi talent and expanding employment opportunities across various sectors,” The Saudi Gazette report stated.
It also reflects the growing number of specialist job seekers and seeks to carve out opportunities for Saudi nationals and foster more sustainable employment across the professions.
Saudi Arabia is deploying AI and advanced technologies to enhance safety and security during the Hajj and Umrah seasons
The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), in partnership with the General Directorate of Public Security at the Ministry of Interior, has developed the smart “Roya” platform, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. It leverages artificial intelligence, remote sensing technologies, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support security and operational activities in the holy sites, facilitating fast and accurate decision-making.
The platform includes the analysis of satellite imagery and geospatial data to study traffic movement and monitor crowd density, while also delivering field indicators that support security authorities in managing critical locations, helping to improve pilgrims’ experience and enhance safety and operational efficieincy across the holy sites.
The platform also offers advanced analyses of thermal zones and land surface temperature variations in Makkah and the holy sites, in addition to detecting irregular patterns and transforming data into spatial reports.
KACST explained that the Roya platform currently displays nearly 2,000 satellite images from the current and previous seasons, in addition to 126 aerial imaging operations covering Makkah, Madinah, the holy sites, and the roads leading to them. The platform also provides urban heat island monitoring services, offering a more comprehensive environmental and climate assessment to support monitoring and field analysis activities.
Operated by KACST, the Roya platform is connected to the General Directorate of Public Security’s network through the Command and Control Center. It features an interactive interface that enables real-time data visualisation, contributing to improved services for pilgrims and enhanced operational readiness in high-density locations.
The platform is part of the National Laboratory’s efforts at KACST to develop technological solutions and build smart platforms, supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 in strengthening a knowledge-based and innovation-driven digital economy.
During this year’s Hajj season, the Sawaher platform was deployed to enhance crowd management and bolster security at the holy sites and their access points. Spearheaded by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, it utilises over 5,000 cameras across 80 locations, supported by 31 data dashboards, 16 artificial intelligence algorithms, and more than 600 operators.
Sawaher connects camera networks to advanced operations rooms for round-the-clock monitoring of high-density areas. The platform analyses real-time data on crowd movement and human flows, enabling authorities to make rapid, data-driven decisions. This proactive capability allows security teams to respond instantly to shifting field conditions, accurately count pilgrims, mitigate congestion, and ensure a safe and seamless Hajj experience.