Saudi Arabia Uses Drones to Support Hajj Health Services in Mecca

Saudi Arabia is using drones in Mecca to bolster health services for pilgrims as extreme heat intensifies during the Hajj season. Temperatures in Mecca reached 45 degrees this week, prompting health teams to expand drone deliveries of medical supplies to clinics treating pilgrims suffering from heatstroke. The drones are intended to meet the needs of 127 clinics spread across Mecca, Mina and Arafat without relying on congested roads. Officials say the system helps ensure faster delivery of supplies to facilities serving pilgrims across the holy sites. Authorities said medical preparations for the Hajj season began nine months ago. Health teams are working day and night to reach patients as quickly as possible amid the dense crowds. Artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles and mobile applications are also playing a major role in logistics support and crowd management during the pilgrimage.