Saudi Arabia: AI-powered ‘Saqr’ drone deployed for firefighting and rescue missions during Hajj

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defence has deployed an advanced AI-powered drone, ‘Saqr’, to support firefighting and rescue operations during the Hajj season.

Developed to meet the demands of modern firefighting, ‘Saqr’ is equipped with cutting-edge technologies that allow it to access hazardous areas that are beyond the reach of human responders.

As part of the authority’s enhanced emergency response system, ‘Saqr’ is specifically designed to operate in high-risk, hard-to-reach environments, delivering rapid assistance where human intervention is limited or unsafe. The drone features multi-functional firefighting and rescue capabilities and can operate continuously for up to 12 hours.

Outfitted with thermal imaging cameras, advanced safety protocols, and real-time site transmission, ‘Saqr’ is fully integrated with the central command and control centre, ensuring seamless coordination and immediate response during emergencies. With the ability to reach high altitudes and carry a payload of approximately 40 kilogrammes, the drone is tailored for deployment in complex environments such as high-rise buildings, industrial zones, hazardous material sites, densely populated areas, and forest fires.

The drone’s AI-powered systems significantly enhance situational awareness, reduce risks to human responders, and support faster, data-driven decision-making during emergencies—reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to adopting smart technologies for public safety.