Inauguration of the Smart Engineering Center at the Prophet's Mosque to serve visitors
In a strategic move reflecting the rapid development of services provided to pilgrims visiting the Two Holy Mosques, His Excellency the Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, inaugurated the "Smart Engineering Center for Command and Control" within the Prophet's Mosque compound. This inauguration took place in the presence of the Authority's CEO, Engineer Ghazi bin Dhafer Al-Shahrani, and a number of other leaders, as part of intensive preparations for the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH.
The context of digital transformation and Vision 2030
This launch is not an isolated event, but rather a crucial link in a chain of initiatives adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, specifically through the Guests of God Service Program. For years, the Kingdom has been undergoing a transformation from traditional crowd management and services to smart management based on data and artificial intelligence. This approach aims to accommodate the increasing numbers of pilgrims and visitors while ensuring a seamless and safe spiritual experience, harnessing technology to serve worship and reflecting the Kingdom's pioneering role in managing smart cities and the holy sites.
Global technical specifications
The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque revealed the technical details of the center, which spans 315 square meters. It is equipped with a state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, including 22 Barco wall-mounted screens, as well as smart display screens. The center relies on a suite of advanced systems, such as the Smart Center Notification System, the EOD System, the Compliance System (Mumtathilah), the Astrom System, and the Rasid System, all of which work seamlessly together to provide a comprehensive overview of the operational status in every corner of the Prophet's Mosque.
Work mechanism and operational governance
To ensure operational sustainability and efficiency, the authority explained that the center operates according to a precise mechanism relying on qualified national personnel distributed across four shifts, covering 24 hours a day. These personnel utilize digital performance indicators (KPIs) and analytical reports based on historical and real-time data, enabling decision-makers to anticipate problems before they occur and respond quickly to reports. This operational model enhances governance and improves coordination with other relevant security and service agencies.
Expected impact on visitor experience
The Smart Engineering Center represents a qualitative leap in the concept of "facilities management" in holy sites. It will directly contribute to improving the experience of worshippers and visitors through real-time monitoring of asset efficiency (such as escalators, air conditioning systems, and lighting) and the level of cleanliness and services. With the approach of peak seasons like Ramadan and Hajj, the center will play a pivotal role in managing crowds and allocating human and logistical resources with maximum efficiency, ensuring smooth movement and visitor comfort, thus achieving the highest standards of operational excellence.
