Every year millions of Muslims from around the globe congregate in Saudi Arabia’s Mecca, Islam’s holiest site, to perform an epic five-day pilgrimage as practised for centuries by the adherents of the world’s second-largest religion. Given the huge number of followers in the area during the short period, Saudi authorities have for decades used a quota system to avoid over-congestion by only allowing a certain number of pilgrims into the city based on the number of Muslims in a country. Saudi authorities are also faced with the daunting task of ensuring sufficient logistics and taking appropriate security measures, as well as effective dissemination of information for all of its visitors. For first-timers to the historic site, the pilgrimage can be an overwhelming experience in gaining news feeds and crucial updates, especially if they were not from native Arabic-speaking countries and were burdened by language barriers. With that in mind, the kingdom’s Culture and Information Ministry recently launched two digital platforms in the lead-up to this year’s Hajj season. The platforms will provide information and insights to pilgrims, worldwide audiences and local and international media.

http://techwireasia.com/2017/08/two-new-portals-provide-a-window-view-as-millions-of-muslims-flock-mecca/#5PpAmSL6zdFqkM8F.97