Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The General Directorate of Civil Defense has officially deployed its advanced AI-powered drone, “Saqr,” to support firefighting and rescue missions during the Hajj 1446 season.

The drone is part of the authority’s enhanced response systems designed to handle emergencies in high-risk or hard-to-reach areas.

The Saqr drone is equipped with multi-purpose firefighting capabilities and rescue systems, operating for up to 12 hours continuously. It can reach high altitudes and carry a payload of approximately 40 kilograms.

The drone features advanced safety protocols, thermal imaging cameras, and live site transmission capabilities. It is also linked to the central command and control center to support coordinated operations in real time.

Designed for rapid deployment, Saqr is tailored for use in high-rise buildings, industrial zones, sites containing hazardous materials, densely populated areas, and forest fires.

Its smart systems enhance situational awareness, reduce risk to human responders, and improve decision-making through live imaging and AI integration.