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Slew of deals highlight a renewed and reinforced Saudi-US partnership

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At the Riyadh summit, Elon Musk revealed he had presented Tesla robots to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Donald Trump. (AFP)
Special Slew of deals highlight a renewed and reinforced Saudi-US partnership
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Updated 15 May 2025

Slew of deals highlight a renewed and reinforced Saudi-US partnership

Slew of deals highlight a renewed and reinforced Saudi-US partnership
  • A veritable Who’s Who of corporate America and Saudi industry participated in one-day investment summit in Riyadh on Tuesday
  • The agreements reached showcase Ƶ’s push to become a global innovation hub with support from US tech giants

RIYADH: When top officials, CEOs and investors from Ƶ and the US convened in Riyadh on Tuesday for the Saudi-US Investment Forum, the focus of the high-profile gathering was on economic cooperation and innovation.

The one-day forum, held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, highlighted major deals and partnerships in technology, artificial intelligence, energy, digital infrastructure, fintech, healthtech and industrial innovation — all aligned with Ƶ’s Vision 2030 development blueprint.

The tone was collaborative and forward-looking, emphasizing commerce and technology as both nations seek to deepen ties in emerging sectors. Officials from both governments, along with Fortune 500 executives, used the platform to announce investments and outline long-term strategies for mutual growth.

The forum’s agenda was broad and ambitious, covering cutting-edge industries and critical infrastructure.

Sessions throughout the day focused on themes such as technology and AI innovation, renewable and traditional energy cooperation, digital infrastructure expansion, fintech and financial services, health and biotech advancements, and industrial and advanced manufacturing partnerships. Panel discussions included ministerial dialogues, CEO panels and executive roundtables designed to spur high-impact engagement in these sectors.




The Saudi-US Investment Forum highlighted major deals and partnerships in technology, artificial intelligence, energy, digital infrastructure, fintech, healthtech and industrial innovation. (AFP)

High-level participants

Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih opened the forum by highlighting its timing “at a historic moment” of renewed commitment between the two nations. He pointed to the exceptional delegation of US business leaders in attendance, reflecting nearly 90 years of close relations since the first Saudi-US agreements.

The forum coincided with a US executive visit to Ƶ, underscoring the strategic importance both sides place on economic partnership. In his remarks, Al-Falih emphasized that strengthening the bilateral investment relationship would benefit both economies and “the world at large.”

Notably, the list of attendees read like a Who’s Who of corporate America and Saudi industry. According to the forum program and media reports, CEOs and senior executives from companies including BlackRock, Palantir Technologies, Citi, IBM, OpenAI, NVIDIA, Meta, Amazon, Qualcomm, Alphabet (Google’s parent), Tesla and Franklin Templeton were present. On the Saudi side, key figures included Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — architect of Vision 2030 — as well as ministers overseeing the finance, energy, technology, tourism and health sectors.

The presence of these leaders highlighted the forum’s focus on expanding commercial ties. Even high-profile tech entrepreneur Elon Musk was spotted on stage, seen in conversation with Saudi Minister of Communications and IT Abdullah Al-Swaha during the event.

The diversity of participants from government and industry ensured that discussions ranged from AI chips and cloud computing to sustainable energy projects and digital economy regulation.




Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih opened the forum by highlighting its timing “at a historic moment” of renewed commitment between the two nations. (SPA)

Tech and AI partnerships

If one theme dominated the forum, it was artificial intelligence and technology. A series of headline-making deals underscored Ƶ’s push to become a global hub for AI and advanced tech — with major support from US tech giants.

At the center of many announcements was HUMAIN, a newly launched Public Investment Fund-backed AI startup.

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang made headlines by unveiling a landmark agreement to supply Ƶ with cutting-edge AI hardware. NVIDIA will sell hundreds of thousands of its latest AI chips to HUMAIN over the next five years, starting with an initial shipment of 18,000 high-performance Blackwell GPU chips.

In a joint statement, NVIDIA and HUMAIN said they plan to build “AI factories” with up to 500 megawatts of capacity in Saudi data centers, housing those advanced GPUs and related infrastructure.

“This marks a significant step toward positioning the Kingdom as a leader among data- and AI-driven economies,” said Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, president of the Saudi Data & AI Authority, regarding the partnership. The goal is to establish Ƶ as a global leader in AI, GPU cloud computing and digital transformation — in line with the Kingdom’s aim to become an international AI hub outside the US.

Another US chipmaker, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), announced its own multibillion-dollar partnership with HUMAIN. AMD CEO Lisa Su confirmed a $10 billion strategic collaboration to deploy 500 MW of AI computing infrastructure in Ƶ over five years.

Under the deal, AMD will provide a mix of advanced CPUs, GPUs and software expertise to help build HUMAIN’s next-generation cloud platform for AI.

“Together, we are building a globally significant AI platform that delivers performance, openness and reach at unprecedented levels,” Su said in a statement. Notably, HUMAIN is working with multiple chipmakers to avoid overreliance on a single vendor, ensuring a resilient supply of AI hardware.

Also in the semiconductor space, Qualcomm signed a memorandum of understanding to develop new data center processors with Saudi partners. The San Diego-based firm — best known for its mobile chips — will work with HUMAIN on specialized CPUs for data centers, potentially leveraging technology from its Nuvia acquisition to deliver server-grade processors.

This flurry of chip deals was enabled in part by supportive policies: under a new US initiative, American tech suppliers like NVIDIA and AMD received clearance to pursue AI partnerships with Saudi entities, reflecting a government-backed effort to promote “AI diplomacy” with trusted allies.

Cloud computing giant Amazon Web Services (AWS) also played a prominent role. At the forum, AWS announced a strategic partnership with HUMAIN to develop a dedicated “AI Zone” in Ƶ. AWS and HUMAIN plan to invest more than $5 billion to build this AI Zone — a cluster of state-of-the-art data centers and AI development facilities.

According to AWS CEO Andy Jassy, the zone will feature Amazon’s most advanced cloud infrastructure, including UltraCluster networking for faster AI model training, a full suite of services like SageMaker and Bedrock, and training programs to develop Saudi AI talent.

This initiative comes on top of AWS’s previously announced $5.3 billion plan to launch a cloud region in Ƶ by 2026. The AI Zone is a separate investment, focused specifically on accelerating AI innovation. HUMAIN has committed to build and deploy its AI solutions on AWS and help local startups access the platform’s tools.

Together, these moves by NVIDIA, AMD, Qualcomm and Amazon represent an unprecedented transfer of AI technology and infrastructure to Ƶ as the Kingdom races to become a leader in the data-driven economy.




Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk was spotted on stage, seen in conversation with Saudi Minister of Communications and IT Abdullah Al-Swaha during the event. (AFP)

The forum’s tech deals are expected to benefit the US as well. One of Ƶ’s newest firms, DataVolt, announced plans to invest $20 billion in AI data centers and energy infrastructure in the US.

Additionally, a coalition of US and Saudi companies — including Alphabet (Google’s parent), Oracle, Salesforce, AMD, Uber and DataVolt — is set to invest a combined $80 billion in “cutting-edge transformative technologies” across both countries.

While specific details were limited, the White House noted that these investments will span a range of high-tech sectors in Ƶ and the US, illustrating a two-way investment flow catalyzed by the forum.

Energy, infrastructure, new industries

Beyond AI and computing, the forum spotlighted a range of sectors central to Ƶ’s economic diversification plans. Energy, in particular, remains a cornerstone of US-Saudi cooperation — not only in traditional oil and gas, but increasingly in clean energy and sustainability.

Saudi officials used the event to reaffirm the Kingdom’s role as a stable oil supplier to global markets, even as it accelerates its pivot to renewables. They also highlighted joint initiatives in solar, wind and emerging energy technologies. Vision 2030’s focus on sustainability was echoed in forum sessions on “Energy & Sustainability,” which emphasized balancing energy security with climate-conscious innovation.




New Murabba CEO, Michael Dyke (L), NEOM Deputy CEO Rayan Fayez (C) and Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, attend a conference during the Saudi-US investment forum in Riyadh on May 13, 2025. (AFP)

One standout project discussed was the massive green hydrogen venture at NEOM, Ƶ’s futuristic city on the Red Sea. Rayan Fayez, deputy CEO of NEOM, described the $8.4 billion green hydrogen plant being developed as a joint venture between NEOM, Saudi utility ACWA Power and US-based Air Products.

This project — one of the world’s largest hydrogen initiatives — will use solar and wind power to produce clean hydrogen for export, showcasing how US companies are investing in Saudi sustainability efforts.

“Building a city and a region of this scale requires significant infrastructure,” Fayez said, citing 500 kilometers of fiber-optic cable already laid in NEOM, along with new data centers, solar and wind farms, and 194 kilometers of installed water pipelines.

These infrastructure projects are creating opportunities for American firms; Fayez noted that NEOM is “doing business with 83 American companies” as it builds this high-tech metropolis.

Tourism, smart mobility, real estate

Traditional sectors like tourism and real estate were also featured as key growth areas. In a panel on Ƶ’s giga-projects, Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, discussed the $63 billion transformation of historic Diriyah — the birthplace of the Saudi state — into a global heritage and leisure destination.

Inzerillo noted that the project, which preserves UNESCO World Heritage sites while adding museums, resorts and entertainment venues, is on time and on budget.

“We just welcomed our three millionth visitor (to Diriyah) this week … We have 45,000 workers currently on the project,” he said, adding: “Right now we’re doing business with 83 American companies” involved in the development.

This highlights the role of US firms — from engineering and construction to hospitality — in supporting Ƶ’s non-oil economic transformation.




Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, discussed the $63 billion transformation of historic Diriyah — the birthplace of the Saudi state — into a global heritage and leisure destination.(AN photo by Basheer Saleh)

Transportation and smart mobility also emerged as a prominent topic. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi praised Ƶ as one of Uber’s fastest-growing markets, with 140,000 Saudi drivers serving 4 million riders across 20 cities.

Khosrowshahi used the forum to announce plans to introduce autonomous vehicles in the Kingdom. “You will see autonomous vehicles in Ƶ this year,” he said, noting that Uber is working with 18 autonomous technology partners to ensure safe deployment.

He argued that self-driving vehicles will make streets safer and eventually offer more affordable transportation, as robotic systems “continue to learn from all the miles driven all over the world.”

The vision of Saudi cities with driverless taxis — supported by US technology — illustrated the forum’s emphasis on next-generation infrastructure.

Fintech and healthtech

Financial services and fintech were also on the agenda, reflecting Ƶ’s drive to modernize its financial sector through open banking, digital payments, venture capital and more.

While no specific banking deals were announced at the forum, the presence of major US financial leaders — including Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink — signaled strong interest in Saudi capital markets. Discussions reportedly included financing Vision 2030 projects and expanding two-way capital flows.




Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi (2nd Left) praised Ƶ as one of Uber’s fastest-growing markets, with 140,000 Saudi drivers serving 4 million riders across 20 cities. (AFP)

With Ƶ opening its stock market to more foreign investors and launching large investment funds, US financial institutions are positioning to play a significant role in the Kingdom’s economic liberalization.

Healthcare and healthtech likewise emerged as key areas of collaboration, aligning with Saudi efforts to digitize healthcare and advance biotech research. Panels on health tech and biotechnology explored potential partnerships in pharmaceutical development, digital health platforms and medical investment.

Although most initiatives were still in the exploratory stage, Ƶ’s Ministry of Health is reportedly in ongoing talks with US healthcare firms about telemedicine and hospital joint ventures.

The forum underscored that as Ƶ modernizes its healthcare system — a priority under Vision 2030’s Quality of Life program — US companies in medical technology, biotech and healthcare management see growing opportunity.

Vision 2030 alignment

Throughout the forum, speakers consistently tied individual deals to the broader goals of Vision 2030 — Ƶ’s blueprint for diversifying its economy away from oil by the end of the decade.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the driving force behind Vision 2030, took the stage to emphasize the scale of US-Saudi business underway. He announced that more than $300 billion in Saudi-US deals had been signed, a figure that impressed attendees.

These agreements spanned sectors including technology, defense and infrastructure. Looking ahead, the crown prince said Ƶ is targeting $600 billion in further investment opportunities with the US in the coming years — with the potential for that number to grow to $1 trillion as new projects take shape.




Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced that more than $300 billion in Saudi-US deals had been signed, a figure that impressed attendees. (AFP)

He noted that the United States is one of the “largest partners of the Saudi Vision 2030 reform agenda,” underscoring that joint investments are a central pillar of the bilateral economic relationship. He also highlighted that about 40 percent of Ƶ’s Public Investment Fund — the $900 billion-plus sovereign wealth fund — is invested in the US. This financial interconnection is foundational to initiatives like the forum.

US representatives also praised the Kingdom’s transformation. US President Donald Trump (attending as part of a state visit) avoided politics in his public remarks, focusing instead on economic cooperation.

He commended the “phenomenal transformation” underway in Ƶ, attributing it to the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed. Trump pointed to a striking milestone: Ƶ’s non-oil revenues now exceed its oil revenues — a dramatic shift from just a few years ago. He cited this as evidence that Vision 2030 is producing real economic change.

The president also praised Ƶ’s ability to preserve its cultural heritage while “embracing a forward-looking, modern Vision 2030 agenda.” These affirmations from the US side bolstered confidence in the Saudi business environment and encouraged American CEOs to deepen their engagement.




Housing and Urban Development Minister Majed Al-Hogail detailed plans for smart cities and affordable housing — areas where US engineering firms and smart technology providers are contributing their expertise. (SPA)

Several panel discussions looked toward the future, examining how both nations can collaborate on long-term trends. In a tourism panel, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb predicted that by 2030, tourism will contribute as much to Saudi GDP as oil does today — a bold forecast reflecting the country’s shifting economic priorities.

Al-Khateeb said Ƶ is increasingly recognized as “a land of green mountains, stunning Red Sea islands and a welcoming culture,” rather than solely an oil-exporting nation. This evolving image has been supported in part by US-backed investments in hospitality and entertainment.

A partnership reinforced

In another discussion, Housing and Urban Development Minister Majed Al-Hogail detailed plans for smart cities and affordable housing — areas where US engineering firms and smart technology providers are contributing their expertise.

A panel on women in business, reflecting the social development dimension of Vision 2030, highlighted progress in female leadership within Saudi companies. US multinationals are playing a role through training programs and mentorship initiatives.

While these conversations were not centered on high-dollar deals, they showcased the human and cultural dimension of US-Saudi collaboration — emphasizing knowledge-sharing and societal change.

By the forum’s end, a clear narrative had emerged: Ƶ and the US are leveraging their long-standing partnership to build a new economic future based on innovation, sustainability and shared prosperity.

The announcements — from multibillion-dollar AI investments and cloud zones to joint tourism initiatives and potential fintech collaborations — all serve Ƶ’s ambition to become a diversified economic powerhouse by 2030. At the same time, they support US goals of expanding global markets for American technologies and deepening relationships with stable partners.

As Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih summarized, the Saudi-US partnership is being “renewed and reinforced” for a new era — evolving beyond its traditional oil foundation into a broader alliance across multiple strategic sectors.

The Saudi-US Investment Forum showcased this transformation in real time, with high-profile announcements and symbolic handshakes that are likely to shape the economic relationship between the two countries for decades to come.

With significant capital flows and technology transfers now underway, both nations are betting that deeper commercial ties will generate mutual benefits — creating jobs, spurring innovation and linking two major economies that, as officials often reminded attendees, are vital to each other’s success in an unpredictable global environment.

The event’s success has already sparked discussions about establishing the Saudi-US Investment Forum as a recurring platform — one that can track progress, drive new initiatives and continue advancing Vision 2030 and the next phase of US-Saudi cooperation.


Saudi Interior Ministry issues Hajj safety and security guide

Saudi Interior Ministry issues Hajj safety and security guide
Updated 25 sec ago

Saudi Interior Ministry issues Hajj safety and security guide

Saudi Interior Ministry issues Hajj safety and security guide
  • It provides detailed instructions for pilgrims, including directions to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and maps of routes to key ritual sites
  • It also highlights peak times at the mosque, guidance on the use of vehicles and explains crowd-management protocols

 

RIYADH: Ƶ’s Ministry of Interior on Tuesday published a comprehensive guide designed to ensure the safety, security and smooth movement of pilgrims during Hajj.

 

It provides detailed instructions for the pilgrimage experience, including directions to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and maps of pedestrian routes and walkways leading to key ritual sites such as the Tawaf and Sa’i zones.

To help manage the crowds and ensure orderly movement of pilgrims, the guide highlights peak times within the Grand Mosque and its courtyards, as well as guidance on the use of vehicles during Hajj season.

It also explains crowd-management protocols, and stresses the important need for all pilgrims to adhere to designated grouping times when performing rituals during the various stages of the pilgrimage, including Tawaf, Sa’i and the stoning of the Jamarat.

The ministry said the guide is designed to help pilgrims perform their rituals safely, easily and with peace of mind, the Saudi Press Agency reported. It reiterated that official regulations require all pilgrims performing Hajj to have a permit, and warned of penalties for any person who breaks these rules.

Citizens and residents were urged to comply with all Hajj-related regulations and report any violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other parts of the Kingdom.

Click  to view the Hajj guide online. Hajj begins on Wednesday, June 4, and concludes on Monday, June 9.


Palestinian pilgrims express gratitude for Ƶ’s comprehensive Hajj support

Palestinian pilgrims express gratitude for Ƶ’s comprehensive Hajj support
Updated 03 June 2025

Palestinian pilgrims express gratitude for Ƶ’s comprehensive Hajj support

Palestinian pilgrims express gratitude for Ƶ’s comprehensive Hajj support
  • Palestinian pilgrim Ayman Saleh expressed joy at being selected for Hajj this year

MAKKAH: Several Palestinian pilgrims hosted under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah — supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs — offer their thanks to the Kingdom. 

They said the initiative reflected King Salman’s care for Muslims worldwide and his commitment to ensuring they can perform Hajj with dignity and ease, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Palestinian pilgrim Ayman Saleh expressed joy at being selected for Hajj this year and thanked the Saudi leadership for the exceptional services and warm welcome extended to Palestinian pilgrims. 

Pilgrim Hussein Kamal praised the outstanding facilities, saying they reflect the Kingdom’s dedication to serving Palestinian pilgrims and helping them perform Hajj comfortably. He expressed deep appreciation to the Saudi leadership for this generous gesture.

Hundreds of relatives of Palestinian political prisoners and martyrs have arrived to perform Hajj under the program. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs received 500 pilgrims from Gaza on Monday, bringing the total number of Palestinians to 1,000. 

Since its launch in 1996, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ program has hosted thousands of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. This year, the program is hosting 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries.


Municipalities Ministry launches home delivery permit service, effective July 1

Municipalities Ministry launches home delivery permit service, effective July 1
Updated 03 June 2025

Municipalities Ministry launches home delivery permit service, effective July 1

Municipalities Ministry launches home delivery permit service, effective July 1
  • Municipalities will carry out field inspections to ensure compliance and will take regulatory action against violators

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing launched the Home Delivery Permit service for food and non-food delivery establishments via the Balady platform, Saudi Press Agency reported Tuesday.

This initiative supports ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life and elevate safety and compliance standards within the delivery sector across the Kingdom.

The delivery service aims to regulate delivery operations within cities by ensuring establishments comply with health and technical requirements, thereby contributing to a safe and efficient environment that enhances consumer confidence.

The requirements for the permit include obtaining a health certificate for all home delivery service workers, securing approval from the authority supervising the commercial activity, clearly displaying the establishment’s name or trademark on delivery vehicles, and ensuring these vehicles comply with the technical and health standards necessary for safe product transportation.

The ministry explained that mandatory enforcement of license issuance will begin on July 1, 2025.

Municipalities will carry out field inspections to ensure compliance and will take regulatory action against violators.

Business owners can apply for the home delivery permit through the Balady platform by visiting: https://balady.gov.sa/en/services/issue-home-delivery-permit.

This initiative is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to develop the regulatory framework for the services sector and to ensure the provision of safe delivery services, in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030.

Last month, the ministry announced the launch of the Balady Plus app — an intelligent platform aimed at enhancing quality of life in Saudi cities and facilitating daily mobility for residents and visitors.

According to the ministry, Balady Plus was developed by national talents to be more than just a navigation tool. It offers an interactive 3D map experience with precise local content that reflects the real landscape of Saudi cities and adapts to their changes in real time.

The application features smart mobility services, including live updates on roads, locations, and services. It also supports indoor navigation in commercial centers, alerts users about speed bumps, obstacles, and road closures, and integrates data from government entities and the local community.


20 years after embracing Islam, Uruguayan Muslim fulfills his Hajj dream in Makkah

20 years after embracing Islam, Uruguayan Muslim fulfills his Hajj dream in Makkah
Updated 03 June 2025

20 years after embracing Islam, Uruguayan Muslim fulfills his Hajj dream in Makkah

20 years after embracing Islam, Uruguayan Muslim fulfills his Hajj dream in Makkah

MAKKAH: Luis Abi Rachid, a 70-year-old pilgrim from Uruguay and a guest of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj and Umrah, shared the story of his first-ever flight, which he took this year to Ƶ to perform Hajj.

After being selected for the program, supervised and implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Rachid described the journey as one filled with peace and spiritual fulfillment, marking the realization of his lifelong wish to perform the fifth pillar of Islam.

“I arrived in the holy land with indescribable feelings,” he said. “I was on my way to perform Umrah and see the Holy Kaaba for the first time in my life, after only seeing it on television. My heart overflowed with longing for this sacred place.

“Hajj is a dream, especially for new Muslims,” Rachid continued.

“When I was selected for the program, I felt a joy beyond words. All praise is due to Allah Almighty, and then to the leadership of Ƶ for turning my dream — and the dreams of many Muslims around the world — into reality.”

Rachid recounted that his journey to Islam began 20 years ago, when a Muslim friend introduced him to the faith over the course of three months.

During that time, he learned about the Holy Qur’an and the practice of prayer, eventually becoming convinced that Islam is the true religion. Since embracing Islam, he has deepened his faith and understanding and has long dreamed of performing Hajj and visiting the Holy Kaaba.

“I declared my Islam without ever expecting that I would embrace the faith, as I had never considered it,” Rachid said.

“But Allah Almighty guided me and brought me from darkness into spiritual clarity. I felt a peace and inner security I had never known. Islam is a religion of balance, moderation, and tranquility — free from excess, extremism, or rigidity. All praise be to Allah Almighty for guiding me and making me one of the Muslims.”

He expressed his gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their efforts in serving Islam and Muslims and prayed for Ƶ’s continued growth, progress, and prosperity.


New environmental monitoring technologies used for this year’s Hajj

New environmental monitoring technologies used for this year’s Hajj
Updated 03 June 2025

New environmental monitoring technologies used for this year’s Hajj

New environmental monitoring technologies used for this year’s Hajj
  • High-tech monitoring systems analyze air, water and soil quality
  • Satellites allow center to dispatch emergency teams rapidly

Jeddah: Ƶ’s National Center for Environmental Compliance has begun using new satellite monitoring technologies to protect the environment for this year’s Hajj.

The NCEC uses satellite data to monitor and analyze environmental media, including air, water and soil quality. 

The center relies on satellites to monitor environmental challenges across wide geographic areas at high speed, enabling emergency teams to quickly reach affected sites.

Hani Al-Subhi, director-general of the Makkah Region branch, spoke to Arab News about the center’s use of satellite technology.

“These technologies help pinpoint the precise locations of environmental challenges, facilitating a rapid response and enhancing the provision of a healthy, pollutant-free environment for pilgrims,” he said

Meanwhile, Abu Talib Zaki, a technical expert in monitoring, spoke about how the center cooperates with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology to collect two types of satellite imagery.

The first is passive remote sensing, which measures reflections of light emitted from other objects.

The second is active remote sensing, which uses light from the satellite itself to create images.

The spatial resolution of the images used reaches 30 cm, meaning that each pixel of the image covers 30x30 cm, allowing for high-precision monitoring of environmental phenomena.

The National Center for Environmental Compliance earlier this week completed 90 percent of the preemptive inspections to ensure the safety of water, air, and soil for Hajj.

Monitoring efforts will continue until pilgrims complete their rituals in a healthy, pollutant-free environment.

The center also uses nine air quality monitoring stations — six located in Makkah and the holy sites and three in Madinah.

These stations operate around the clock to measure air quality, and if any pollutant is detected, field teams are dispatched immediately to the site to identify the source and coordinate with the authorities to eliminate the cause of pollution.