'Sawaher' Platform Used 5,000 Cameras and 16 AI Algorithms to Manage Hajj Crowds
- Saudi Data & AI Authority-led 'Sawaher' platform deployed at 80 sites during Hajj using ~5,000 cameras and 16 AI algorithms to monitor crowd flows.
- Used for crowd management, situational awareness and operational coordination across ministry agencies.
- Government sources present the platform as evidence of AI-enabled operational improvements during the season.
SPA (Saudi Press Agency) · 2026-05-30
'Smart Allocation' and Temporary Lodging: Digital Solutions Boost Hajj Accommodation Readiness
- Saudi authorities rolled out digital accommodation-management tools ("smart allocation" and temporary lodging solutions) to increase housing capacity and organization for pilgrims.
- Initiatives include reservation algorithms and operational tech to optimize bed assignment and logistics.
- Part of a wider tech-enabled Hajj modernization effort alongside AI monitoring and network upgrades.
Al-Eqtisadiah · 2026-05-30
Saudi National Cyber Authority Issues Samsung Security Advisory
- National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) published an advisory detailing vulnerabilities in Samsung products.
- Advisory signals continuing focus on vendor flaws and coordinated vulnerability disclosure in Saudi cyber ecosystem.
- Follows broader efforts to harden critical systems and consumer devices.
NCA (National Cybersecurity Authority) · 2026-05-30
'Meqyas' — CST Platform to Measure Internet Experience in Saudi Arabia
- CST's 'Meqyas' initiative provides a platform that measures internet quality and user experience across the Kingdom.
- Aims to publish data to inform consumers and guide network improvements.
- Supports transparency on broadband performance as digital services scale.
CST (Communications, Space & Technology) · 2026-05-30
24.5 Million Calls Handled in Makkah and Holy Sites on 10th Dhu al-Hijjah — Networks Performed
- Saudi Communications, Space & Technology (CST) reported ~24.5 million local and international calls in Makkah and holy sites on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
- Authorities credit network preparedness and capacity upgrades for handling peak traffic during Hajj.
- Data point used to demonstrate telecom resilience under major crowd and event loads.
MSN (reporting CST figures) · 2026-05-30
SDAIA Service: Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
- SDAIA publishes a formal DPIA service page outlining processes and requirements for assessing data protection impacts.
- Service is part of broader national data governance and AI accountability framework.
- Indicates institutionalization of privacy and risk assessment for data-driven projects in Saudi Arabia.
SDAIA (Saudi Data & AI Authority) · 2026-05-30
Strait of Hormuz Carries ~20% of Global Data Flows — Undersea Cable Vulnerability Spotlighted
- Analysis highlights Strait of Hormuz as a chokepoint carrying about 20% of global data flows via undersea fiber routes.
- Stresses geographic and security risks to global internet resilience tied to Persian Gulf seabed topology.
- Implication for telecom operators and national planners: diversify routes and harden maritime infrastructure.
Investing.com · 2026-05-30