15 Dec, 25
by Muslims Holy TravelSaudi authorities have substantially expanded wearable tech-safety measures. Hajj & Umrah pilgrims and frontline staff are being issued smart wristbands that combine GPS/location services, medical monitoring and panic/SOS functions, and are integrated into new digital identity systems (Nusuk). The Kingdom has also paired these wearables with AI cameras, drone surveillance, and command and control centres to improve crowd management so that pilgrims can perform the rituals with utmost comfort and peace of mind. Keep reading for more insights!
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Kingdom will introduce electronic identification bracelets for all pilgrims to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah starting this year as a part of a safety drive, a year after the Islamic rite suffered its deadliest disaster in generations. The previous pilgrimage saw a deadly crash in Mina during the stoning the devil ritual, where many devotees lost their lives. Saudi Arabia has made it mandatory for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to wear smart e-bracelets to avoid these tragedies in future. These wearables will help authorities immediately identify individuals and offer quick medical care. Not only this, but they will also assist in managing large crowds more safely while making the pilgrimage experience smoother.
High-tech safety bracelets are equipped with various features designed to enhance safety and ensure better organisation. Let’s have a sneak peek at some of the key features in the following.
These high-tech bracelets are connected to GPS and often utilise IoT (Internet of Things) concepts. They provide real-time location tracking for authorities. This, in turn, helps easily look for lost pilgrims, manage massive crowds, and provide swift assistance in case of emergencies.
Another feature of e-bracelets is personal and medical information storage. For instance, they store important data such as the pilgrim's personal details, address, passport number, and medical records. It allows authorities to identify lost pilgrims in just a matter of a few minutes.
One amazing thing about high-tech bracelets is that they can instruct worshippers on the correct prayer timings during the pilgrimage. Other than this, these wearables also provide a digital compass, which indicates the direction of the Qibla, and it is very useful for first-time pilgrims.
Those going to Saudi Arabia for the minor/lesser pilgrimage with economy Umrah deals now have to wear e-bracelets. They offer a multilingual help desk and guidance throughout the various rituals of the pilgrimage, whether it is Hajj or Umrah, to non-Arabic speaking pilgrims.
High-tech bracelets also come with an emergency alert/SOS button. In case there is any emergency situation along the way to Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims can quickly press this button for assistance. The bracelet sends a pilgrim’s location to designated contacts so that they can help.
The e-bracelets are engineered to be fully water-resistant. These wearables are highly durable, which means they can easily withstand everyday weather conditions. Since wearing this bracelet is obligatory now, it is beneficial for pilgrims a lot in terms of safety and enhanced experience.
Above all, the communication capabilities feature also makes high-tech bracelets stand out. The information stored in these wearables can be accessed by Saudi authorities immediately. Even awareness messages can be sent to pilgrims so that they stay well-prepared for a sudden event.
The following are some of the crucial things that pilgrims need to know and that they should do.
The leading goal of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is to make the ‘Smart pilgrimage’ system better. They are further planning to add new tools that can help guide worshippers, watch crowds, and keep pilgrims safe to the brim. Apps such as Nusuk will work more seamlessly with the incorporation of these high-tech bracelets. That means pilgrims will be able to access immediate help in any emergency along the way. Adding more to this, the country also aims to make use of more AI cameras, drones, and sensors to see problems easily and fix them quickly.
As the number of visitors to the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah grows, these technological advancements will make the entire pilgrimage journey hassle-free and secure for everyone. Over time, these changes should help pilgrims feel confident and make this trip super comfortable.
Last but not least, Saudi Arabia’s approach to providing pilgrims with high-tech e-bracelets is an accelerating effort to ensure utmost safety throughout the Hajj and Umrah journey. While the benefits of the pilgrimage are clear, the future will also involve navigating the practical and ethical hurdles to ensure next-level privacy, acceptance, and effective implementation for all pilgrims. Hopefully, this step brings a positive change in making the pilgrimage super smooth. We hope you enjoyed reading the post. Stay in touch with us for further updates regarding Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Muslims Holy Travel is here to make your trip truly fulfilling.
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