President of Umm Al-Qura University Dr. Bakri bin M'atooq bin Bakri Assas launched on Tuesday Dhul-Qe'dah 23, 1438 H  the digital platform  "Hajj Tag" designed to collect and display spatial and temporal information during the annual meeting of researchers at the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research. The launching ceremony witnessed participation of the Dean of Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research Dr. Sami bin Yassin Barhamain, Institute's Vice Deans and a number of researchers and concerned persons.   

The platform developer and the Supervisor of Planning Support and Decision Making Systems at the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research Dr. Akram Omer Noor said the platform deals with smartphones and synchronizes with the spatial and temporal data displaying platform of the locations of these devices continuously. He added that smartphone holders can receive events tag during their movements in form of written information,  in picture news by selecting the required type from the menu in an easy and flexible manner. 

He further said that two contracts were signed depending on this platform including pilgrims Shuttle Buses Tracking project "Irshad" and Pilgrims Satisfaction Measurement project "Ridha" through the visual icons, and the collection of the traffic data while performing the rituals to be analyzed later on and  identify faults and problems which affected the evaluation process. He added that the platform will also be utilized in one of this year's Hajj programs approved for evaluation of pilgrims commitment with the grouping schedule. 

It is worth mentioning here that Unit of  Planning Support and Decision Making Systems at the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research is concerned with developing systems, harnessing advanced technologies related to data collection and analysis and designing of simulation and artificial intelligence systems to convert data to information in such manner which provides support for planning support and decision making.

Concluding his speech. Dr. Noor lauded the keenness of UQU President Dr. Bakri Assas, and the Dean of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research Dr. Sami Barhamain and their support provided for all programs and activities of the Institute to upgrade services system provided during Hajj and Umrah seasons.