The Saudi Ministry of Interior has launched a digital identity service for Hajj pilgrims as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing digital transformation efforts.
The digital ID project was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). Their aim is to enhance the pilgrim experience by facilitating identification and streamlining services.
This isn’t the first time the Saudi Ministry has turned to digital identification technology for visiting pilgrims. Back in 2015, the Kingdom announced that all adult and adolescent individuals entering its borders by land, sea, or air must have their fingerprints scanned for identification, in what was considered an ambitious project at the time.
The digital ID, accessible through the Absher and Tawakkalna platforms, enables pilgrims to prove their identity electronically during their stay in the Kingdom.
The program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to use technology to improve service quality and efficiency.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a strategic framework introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016. Vision 2030 emphasizes promoting cultural and entertainment activities, increasing tourism, and fostering a more open and moderate Islamic society, and it underlines digital identity as a key enabler for its ambitious goals.
Digital ID systems, such as the one for Hajj pilgrims, aim to streamline government services and enhance security, aligning with the vision’s aim for a digitally empowered society.
Source: Saudi Gazette, Arab News
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May 15, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis
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