The 911 Security Operations Center in Mecca: Technological leadership in serving pilgrims
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places paramount importance on the safety and security of the pilgrims who flock to Mecca annually to perform Hajj. In this context, the 911 Security Operations Center in Mecca as a key technological and security pillar contributing to crowd management and ensuring the pilgrims' safety with exceptional efficiency. This advanced security facility operates around the clock to provide a rapid and effective response to all reports and emergencies, relying on a sophisticated digital infrastructure and qualified national personnel fluent in more than eight international languages to facilitate communication with pilgrims of diverse nationalities.
The establishment and development of the 911 security operations center in Makkah: An integrated security vision
The National Center for Security Operations at the Saudi Ministry of Interior was established as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to develop government services and enhance the security system. The creation of the unified security operations system, "911," consolidated communication and emergency channels under one umbrella, replacing the previous system of multiple numbers for different security sectors such as Civil Defense, Security Patrols, Highway Security, and Traffic Police. The Makkah branch serves as a model for this digital transformation, equipped with state-of-the-art CCTV and artificial intelligence systems to monitor crowd movement in the Grand Mosque and the holy sites (Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina). This enables decision-makers to take immediate preventative measures before any crises occur.
Record numbers and exceptional achievements in the Hajj season
During the Hajj season of 1447 AH, the center demonstrated its high operational efficiency by handling a massive volume of calls and inquiries. It received approximately 465,822 calls from pilgrims, citizens, and residents, most of which concerned service, traffic, and guidance inquiries. Impressively, it achieved a world-class response time of just two seconds, reflecting the complete readiness and seamless coordination among various security and service sectors.
The center’s efforts were not limited to receiving calls only, but the television monitoring room automatically monitored (755) field cases through smart cameras deployed in the holy sites and the central area, and they were immediately passed on to the concerned authorities to deal with them without the need to wait for a phone report, which contributed to avoiding many obstacles and ensuring the safety of pilgrims proactively.
The local and international impact of the smart security system in Hajj
The impact of the center's success extends across multiple dimensions. Locally, it contributes to enhancing the sense of security and safety for domestic pilgrims, citizens, and residents, and underscores the ability of Saudi personnel to efficiently and effectively manage the world's largest crowds. Regionally and internationally, this excellence solidifies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in the crisis and crowd management sector, and presents an inspiring global model for harnessing advanced technology to serve humanity. The center's first field participation this year, alongside the Hajj security forces, in managing crowds on the ground reflects the continuous development of its tasks and responsibilities, ensuring a safe and smooth Hajj experience that leaves a profound positive impact on millions of Muslims worldwide who return to their countries with firsthand accounts of the exceptional care and security provided.
