According to the official sources, new smart cards will be launched for pilgrims during the coming Hajj season by Saudi’s Ministry of Hajj & Umrah to provide ease and comfort services for the pilgrims using advanced smart card features.
The advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques & Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee-Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, has introduced ‘smart card services’ this year for the pilgrimage in a historic-first development.
Named as “Shaeer,” the smart card is equipped with NFC (near field communication) technology which would provide assistance to pilgrims to use self-service systems at various sacred sites during their Hajj.
As per the Saudi media, the smart ID cards will have barcodes carrying personal, medical, & residence information, & will also help in guiding pilgrims to their residences in Mashaer via cabins installed throughout the entire region.
Also, this card could be used in payments made by points of sale (POS) & to guide pilgrims on to their camps, regulating the entrance to the camps & timing of grouping & transportation.
Furthermore, the smart card depends on the near-field communication technology, which makes the card easier to read through the self-service machines installed in the Holy Mashaer.
The smart cards will be administered through an integrated control center for all services with the involvement of government & civil agencies.
