MAKKAH — As part of efforts to strengthen Haj security, the Directorate General of the Civil Defense Department (CDD) has joined the National Unified Security Operations Center in the Makkah region to deal with threats, accidents and challenges, using advanced technologies. "This provides a suitable atmosphere for security agencies to exchange information quickly and at various administrative levels and pass orders to field teams," an official said. "The CDD cooperation with the National Unified Security Operations Center entails application of advanced technology as the latter provides requirements of security sectors including IMS (incident management system) and GIS (geographical management system)," the official said. Other accessible systems are ICCS (integrated control unit), ECMS (enhanced crisis management system), VSS monitoring systems, MDS (mobile data system), WAN system, ARLS system for vehicle monitoring and RMS (resource management system). "These security systems will help unify database and analyze data quickly and effectively and help the CDD respond quickly to accidents after receiving information from the unified emergency number 911," the CDD official said. The CDD center utilizes GIS or the geographical information system for quick storing, distribution and analysis of the data. The GIS will accept maps, photos, satellite visuals and descriptive data and analyze the data properly. "This system helps security officers to deal with accidents professionally." The center has 10 wireless communication channels to follow CDD communication channels in Makkah and establish contact with the command and control of the Public Security Department. The CDD has been making continuous efforts to develop its Haj-related infrastructure facilities in Makkah and other holy sites to confront challenges it faces while dealing with emergency cases during the annual pilgrimage. The CDD's operation center coordinates with the relevant public and private sectors to carry out combined operations. It identifies roles of officers in leadership positions to carry out joint missions to avoid overlapping and ensure effective handling of accidents. The center sets out plans to avoid accidents and if they occur how to deal with them. The center presents reports of daily developments to Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior. A second report is sent to the Makkah governorate while a brief report is given to CDD's director general.
