From camels to electric cars: Evolution of Saudi security patrols

Cairo: An exhibition being held on the sidelines of a prestigious camel pageant near Riyadh is shedding light on the history of Saudi security facilities.

The “Oasis of Security” exhibit at the current edition of the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival is tracing security evolution from the bygone days of the camel-riding patrols up to the era of the electric cars used in maintaining law and order.

Electric security vehicles feature artificial intelligence technologies to contribute to raising the level of public safety on the roads, the Saudi news agency SPA reported. These cars are, moreover, environmentally friendly.

Earlier this year, the Saudi Interior Ministry unveiled a plan to introduce virtual police centres in public places as part of vigorous digital transformation and enhancement of operational efficiency in the kingdom.

The facility, unveiled at a global defence show in Riyadh, will be available at shopping centres, commercial complexes and new residential areas that do not have access to the traditional police stations.

The virtual police centre features all services provided by the conventional police by pressing icons on the screen to file reports, updates or talking to the police officer on call.

The new system aims to save time and effort for Saudi citizens and expatriates, who will no longer need to go to the police station to get access to services.

The virtual centre is an advanced technique based on the reality-enhanced technology through which the beneficiary’s experience and the concept of community partnership are boosted, Saudi security officials said.

Likewise, Saudi environmental police utilise drones and artificial intelligence-enhanced thermal cameras to protect the environment and expose offenders.