Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif inspected the Al-Shumaisi checkpoint on the Makkah–Jeddah highway on Thursday, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and smooth movement of pilgrims during Hajj 2025.

During the visit, Prince Abdulaziz received a detailed briefing from Public Security Director Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami on the security procedures in place at the checkpoint.

These include verifying the legality of pilgrim entry and preventing unauthorized individuals from entering the holy sites.

He also reviewed the coordination mechanisms between various security and service agencies aimed at facilitating the safe and smooth flow of pilgrims.

The minister was also briefed on the latest technologies deployed at the Field Monitoring Center of the Special Forces for Road Security, including the advanced Lucid patrol vehicle equipped with smart security systems and rapid response features.

In addition, Prince Abdulaziz reviewed the use of winged drones designed to monitor crowds and analyze human density with high precision, as well as thermal imaging cameras that provide real-time surveillance under diverse environmental conditions.

The center also features mobile broadcast units that deliver live field footage to operations rooms, supporting swift and informed decision-making.

The inspection reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to employing cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency during the Hajj season.