Authorities say that more than 400 extra CCTV cameras will be put in place this Haj. This means there will be an incredible 2,080 cameras covering all the ritual sites and roads. Authorities say these cameras are to provide security and regulate traffic flow. “This year we are heavily dependent on technology and cameras to monitor Haj activities all over the ritual sites,” Brig. Gen. Abdullah Al-Zahrani, Assistant Commander of Haj Control Center, said. The center will be able to pinpoint phone callers on digital maps and give a quick response through security forces located in different areas. MoE bans use of school buses for Haj The Ministry of Education has ordered all education departments to fine anyone using school buses to transport Haj pilgrims at the holy sites. The directive, based on a Royal Decree, stipulates that penalties should be imposed on anyone who violates Haj transport rules. The directive came after the ministry found private school buses without licenses transporting pilgrims at the holy sites. In addition, the pilgrims being transported did not have Haj licenses. — Saeed Al-Bahis from Dammam contributed to the report. __
