Developing smart ecosystem in Makkah and holy sites

The initiative is an integrated project aimed at establishing a network of sensors that covers all of the pilgrim cities (Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Taif and Jamoum) and vital areas in each city, e.g. parks and markets. These sensors measure all environmental changes, such as temperature, humidity, CO2 emissions from vehicle exhausts, other hazardous gases and radioactive pollution, intensity of UV radiation, as well as water pollution, including industrial and biological pollution, and the level of sewage and water source contamination. Other environmental elements are also measured, such as level of excessive noise and vibrations at pedestrian and vehicle crossing points. In addition, the initiative also incorporates sensors for rainwater outflow and degree of water streams entrapment.

In order to compare the sensor data with reference measurements automatically, all of these measurements are made in real time through a dynamic environmental map and a system of applications linked to the command and control center in each city. This system then takes immediate action to address the situation by, for example, notifying the concerned authorities and providing them with all measurements to deal with the situation, as well as by sending immediate alerts via the city screens and early warning systems, and by sending alerts to smart devices to take precautions for patients and those who are more likely to be exposed to danger, such as those who have asthma and allergies. All of these data, procedures and response processes are assessed and KPIs are extracted to support the future environmental planning for the city.

There are two key processes that make up the initiative:

(1) Study & Design

(2) Implementation & Operation