Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — Hajj pilgrims will be able to make the most of the smart bracelet, which has been introduced by the Saudi authorities for the annual pilgrimage for the first time this year.

The “Nusk” smart bracelet service was launched by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and the Guests of God Service Program, and that is in partnership with the Saudi Telecom Company (STC) Group.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed in the presence of SDAIA President Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, National Information Center Director Dr. Issam Al-Waqit, Guests of God Service Program CEO Eng. Bassam Bin Abdulrahman, STC Group CEO Eng. Olayan Alwetaid, and the CEO of STC Business Sector Eng. Riyad Moawad at a ceremony held at SDAIA headquarters here.

This advanced service, equipped with GPS technology, depends on the concept of data and the Internet of Things (IoT).

It was announced that a total of 5,000 bracelets will be distributed among pilgrims on an experimental basis for this year’s Hajj.

The bracelet provides integrated services that include all personal data of pilgrims, their health status (immune, immune by first dose, immune by recovery after infection). It would follow-up monitoring of health status data related to measuring blood oxygen levels and pulse rate, and seek emergency medical or security assistance services. Awareness messages will also be sent to pilgrims through the bracelet, and other services to provide an easy pilgrimage experience for pilgrims.

Speaking on the occasion, SDAIA chief Dr. Al-Ghamdi said this is an important step to serve the pilgrims and will achieve the relevant goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. “SDAIA harnesses all its technical capabilities and national competencies to provide the best innovative solutions based on data and technologies.

This cooperation comes in line with the directives of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, who is also chairman of the Board of Directors of SDAIA, and his continuous and generous support that contributed to providing the best technical solutions to support the process of development in the Kingdom,” he added.

The MoU reflects the great role that SDAIA plays in adapting technology, relying on its advanced infrastructure, national competencies, and its ability to develop innovative solutions.

For his part, DARP CEO Eng. Bassam bin Abdulrahman bin Gheshian affirmed that "the signing of the MoU is a fruit of our wise leadership’s unlimited support to all sectors in order to enhance pilgrims’ experience and the services provided to those journeying to the Two Holy Mosques and Holy Sites.”

He added that the signing of the MoU between DARP, SDAIA and STC Group is a reflection of DARP’s role in leading the transformation of the pilgrims' service ecosystem with the aim of improving the services being provided to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Eng. Bassam bin Gheshian indicated that the pilgrim’s bracelet not only marks a key practical step on the path of developing the technology ecosystem and promoting innovation but also reflects the Kingdom's earnest endeavor to cater for pilgrims throughout their entire spiritual journey. Moreover, it will enable the private and tertiary sectors to become partners in the ongoing development process.

He praised STC Group’s pioneering role in supporting and sponsoring digital initiatives, noting that “the national telecommunications company continues to play a distinguished role in leading the private sector’s contribution to serving pilgrims and building a digital ecosystem that helps facilitate the experience and reflects the reality of the Kingdom’s technical advancement."

For his part, STC Group CEO Olayan Al-Wetaid stressed that serving pilgrims with innovative digital solutions is one of STC’s objectives and contributes to enriching pilgrims’ experience with the latest technologies, in harmony with STC’s leading role in enabling digital transformation in accordance with Vision 2030. He added that this partnership is a continuation of the cooperation with SDAIA and its creative projects to serve the nation through top-quality digital services.e advanced level of technical development that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached worldwide.