Riyadh: The National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) reported a 145% increase in inspection visits to high environmental-impact activities during the 1447 AH Hajj season compared with the previous year. The increase was attributed to the use of satellite technologies supported by artificial intelligence (AI) applications, which improved response rates to environmental reports in the most sensitive areas within the geographic scope surrounding the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites.
According to Saudi Press Agency, NCEC CEO Ali Al-Ghamdi said monitoring and inspection efforts this year relied on more than 200 satellite images that provided daily assessments of environmental conditions. He added that the images were supported by analyses conducted by a team of specialists reviewing AI-generated reports that compare environmental conditions before and after violations.
Al-Ghamdi noted that inspection teams responded to more than 100 environmental reports, 50% of which were received through satellite systems. The approach contributed to more precise and efficient deployment of monitoring teams. He also indicated that more than 2,300 laboratory analyses were conducted across Makkah and Madinah.
Additionally, Al-Ghamdi stressed that NCEC will continue using satellite imagery to monitor all designated sites. The center will also conduct more than 1,800 analyses of soil and water environments following the departure of pilgrims to ensure the sustainability of environmental conditions and preserve their natural characteristics in the future.