After thousands died in a stampede during hajj last year, Saudi Arabia now plans to introduce electronic identification bracelets for all pilgrims this year, in an effort to increase safety measures.
The e-bracelets will make it easier for authorities to identify people and provide care if needed, as the bracelets will carry all personal and medical information, the official Saudi Press Agency said, according to Reuters .
The bracelets are water-resistant and connected to GPS!
They will also notify pilgrims on timings of prayers, making it all the more convenient
There will be a multi-lingual help desk to guide non-Arabic speaking pilgrims around as well.
In June, Saudi Arabia installed nearly a thousand new surveillance cameras at Mecca's Grand Mosque to address other security concerns, alongside an agreement with "specialized companies" to install security cameras in more than 95,000 mosques in the kingdom.