-Falconers in Saudi Arabia turn over their falcons to well-trained caregivers for the off-season period, called "miqyad," for as long as seven months.
- It allows the falcon to go through its natural process of molt, whereby it loses old feathers and grows new ones.
-At miqyad, the falcons are given special treatment in enclosures with the right temperature, lighting, and ventilation to keep them healthy and to enable them to behave naturally.
The event was on May 19, 2024, in Islamabad, SPA. The Makkah Route Initiative has opted for a digital, modern approach run with artificial intelligence that will enable services for pilgrims coming from diverse countries who go to the holy destinations in the 1445 Hajj season.
Algorithms are the basis of the technological and digital solutions currently available to assist with the Hajj journey. These algorithms make the pilgrims' journey easier, including facilitating faster entry procedures into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through designated lounges at airports in their individual home countries.
By utilizing cutting-edge digital technology, the Makkah Route Initiative is able to provide pilgrims with the highest possible level of service and ensure that they remain comfortable throughout their journey. These include the issuance of electronic Hajj visas, the collection of biometric data, the completion of passport procedures in special lounges at departure airports after meeting health requirements, the tagging and sorting of luggage, and the assignment of pathways upon arrival in the Kingdom. Partner agencies ensure the safe delivery of pilgrims' luggage to their accommodations.
Through the employment of technology, the endeavor has accomplished a number of key milestones, including the development of algorithms that enable the exploitation of data and predictive technical skills for the purpose of developing more impactful services for pilgrims throughout their time in the Kingdom. Through the provision of technical help and the establishment of partnerships with other organizations in the Kingdom, the program aims to significantly broaden the scope of the Hajj experience.
During an interview with the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Ashrafi, who is the Special Representative of the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, expressed his admiration for the Makkah Route Initiative. He emphasized that the initiative has made the Hajj journey easier, simpler, and faster. He also praised the initiative for simplifying procedures for pilgrims, including those that occur in their home countries.
Ashrafi asserts that the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the custodian of the two holy mosques, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is responsible for this remarkable initiative that provides pilgrims with the highest possible technological standards.
SPA followed pilgrims who benefited from the effort to the airport in Islamabad and witnessed the dedication of the Saudi officials who were part of the project. These officials are able to communicate in several languages, which allows them to ensure that the requirements of the pilgrims are satisfied. The Saudi team now stationed at Islamabad International Airport has demonstrated a remarkable aptitude to communicate with and provide service to pilgrims.
