Two Holy Mosques Authority Unveils Smart Engineering Command Centre To Enhance Pilgrim Services

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has initiated a pilot phase for its Smart Engineering Command and Control Center. This initiative, led by Eng. Ghazi Al-Shahrani, aims to improve asset, facility, and service management at these sacred sites. The center is designed to support operational decisions and enhance service quality for pilgrims continuously.

The center serves as a unified hub for managing smart infrastructure systems at both mosques. It integrates advanced technologies with real-time data to operate systems like electricity, water, air conditioning, elevators, lighting, and waste management. This integration ensures rapid response times and improved readiness while enhancing the overall pilgrim experience.

By employing artificial intelligence and big-data technologies, the center achieves intelligent data analysis in real time. This capability supports immediate decision-making and proactive monitoring of services. It also aids in detecting potential issues early, thereby improving performance indicators across various operational systems.

SCADA systems are utilized for infrastructure monitoring and control within the center. Building management systems (BMS) and thermal maps help prioritize operational services by tracking visitor density in real time. A digital twin model simulates mosque facilities to optimize control, operation, and predictive maintenance efforts.

The center incorporates decision support systems (DSS) that provide predictive decision-making capabilities and real-time operational recommendations. These features enhance proactive responses and field resilience. Internet of Things (IoT) technology allows for real-time sensor data analysis, while an automated early warning system alerts authorities about potential malfunctions or hazards.

High-performance communication networks like 5G and LoRaWAN ensure efficient data transmission. Centralized interactive dashboards display this data on a single interface to improve coordination among operational teams. Access control systems using biometrics and smart cards regulate entry to sensitive areas within the mosques.

Optimizing Visitor Experience

The center offers real-time monitoring of visitor numbers through smart thermal and analytical systems at both mosques. This empowers operational teams to optimize service distribution effectively according to field conditions. The initiative is part of a broader digital transformation effort within the Two Holy Mosques.

This transformation establishes innovative operational models that leverage technology to convert big data into precise decisions. The ultimate goal is to ensure a safe, seamless, high-quality experience for pilgrims while maintaining top standards of care and service at these sacred sites.

With inputs from SPA