Knowledge Base, a Saudi-Palestinian company, has created an umbrella that will change the pilgrimage for years to come.
With hajj season just around the corner, many people are getting ready for the spiritual journey. Some have made it out to Saudi Arabia by bike, others by plane... all to end up going around the holy city of Mecca by foot. With the heat in the kingdom being at a high, Knowledge Base is here to make hajj a bit "cooler."
The smart umbrella, called "Kafya," is a solar-powered umbrella that will convert sun rays into electricity, turning the traditional umbrella into something much more.
The power can then be used to turn on the built-in flashlight, a fan and a GPS system. The umbrella also includes three USB ports at the bottom of the handle, to charge phones and laptops.
Founded by Manal Dandis and Saudi scientist Kamel Badaw, the umbrella is currently under production. The duo have started creating prototypes and are working to get their invention patented, according to Reuters .
This wouldn't be the first time somebody tried to make use of technology for religious purposes.
Dubai-based fashion designer Manaal Al Hammadi integrated solar panels into abayas, making the item of clothing the one thing any person really needs to carry. The abaya aims to make charging electronics on-the-go as easy and green as ever.