First, Saudi Arabia Deploys Drones With Artificial Intelligence During This Year's Hajj

JAKARTA - Fire drones called "Falcon" will be deployed during the peak of this year's Hajj, signaling for the first time that the technology is being used when more than 1.5 million people are expected to perform the fifth Islamic Rukun, which this week will reach its peak, Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense Directorate General said on Sunday.

Director General of Civil Defense Major General Hamoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj made the announcement at the Press Conference of the Commander of the Hajj Security Forces.

Al-Faraj stressed the importance of preventive measures through pre-inspection visits to congregational residences, conducting safety patrols and carrying out a number of scenarios and joint exercises with relevant authorities in holy places, as quoted by Arab News from the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Monday 2 June.

"This effort aims to improve coordination and optimal response to emergency situations, with the support of the rapid intervention team deployed around the clock," he said.

This refined drone with artificial intelligence is specifically designed for fire and rescue operations in difficult-to-access plateaus or locations.

This drone has an operational flight time of up to 12 hours on the highlands and can carry a cargo of about 40 kilograms.

Furthermore, the drone is said to be equipped with a multipurpose fire extinguishing system, along with an integrated rescue, control, and safety system.

Its capabilities include a thermal camera and the ability to broadcast live footage from the location, which can be directly connected to the command and control center.

Not only that, but the drone also offers a variety of applications for high-rise buildings, industrial locations, areas containing hazardous materials, dense environments and forest fires.

"The main advantages include rapid response speed, reduced risk for personnel, and increasing decision-making capabilities through real-time imaging," said the SPA.

It is known that the peak of this year's Hajj pilgrimage, Wukuf Arafah will fall on Thursday 5 May. The Indonesian Ministry of Religion announced that pilgrims from Indonesia will depart for Arafah starting June 4 or Dzulhijah.