Saudi Arabia has started using drones for the delivery of medicines and medical logistics in the holy Makkah region during the Hajj season.
Quoted from Arab News, Tuesday, May 26, the Saudi Arabian Civil Aviation General Authority or GACA issued the first operational permit for the service to Terra Drone Arabia.
The permit is valid in the holy places in Mecca. This step opens the use of drones to speed up medical and logistical responses amid the heavy movement of pilgrims.
GACA said the permit was part of efforts to develop the aviation sector, support advanced technology, and use new technology to improve service efficiency.
The Saudi aviation regulator also stressed that drone operations must maintain high safety and quality standards.
This permit did not appear suddenly. In the previous hajj season, Saudi Arabia had tested the use of drones for medical and logistical services. The trial was the basis for the drafting of rules and operational frameworks before the first permit was issued.
For pilgrims, the speed of medical services can be an important factor. In the midst of the density of Mecca and the holy area, the delivery of drugs by drone can help cut response time.
GACA stated that this initiative is also in line with the Aviation Program and Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi's major agenda to expand the use of modern technology and improve the quality of services for pilgrims.
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