MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia has launched a cloud-based communication system at the Grand Mosque to handle pilgrims’ religious inquiries, as part of efforts to enhance digital services, according to the Presidency for Religious Affairs.
President of the Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais launched the cloud communication system for pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The cloud communication system is part of the presidency’s efforts to enhance digital transformation and improve the quality of religious services.
Al-Sudais affirmed that the system is an integrated technological platform that enables high-flexibility, high-efficiency call reception and transfer mechanisms through intelligent routing of calls to sheikhs’ phones, reducing the need for their physical presence at specific locations and helping ease congestion inside the Grand Mosque.
He stated that the unified number for the cloud communication system for answering inquiries is 8001222100, operating around the clock, with flexible call distribution and automatic routing of inquiries to the nearest available sheikh, thereby reducing waiting time and improving service efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, represented by Taif Municipality, has intensified its field preparations to serve pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj season.
These efforts include a comprehensive operational plan covering cleaning services, facility readiness, lighting maintenance, and support for municipal and service sites along Hajj routes, as well as at reception and transit points.
The municipality has deployed more than 2,300 workers, over 500 pieces of equipment and machinery, and approximately 30,000 cleaning units to support operations in high-traffic areas during the season.
Preparations included maintaining more than 1,000 lighting poles and ensuring the readiness of over 100 restrooms along Hajj routes.
