The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily report on the expected weather conditions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, indicating significant weather changes affecting several regions, with a wave of low temperatures leading the way, accompanied by multiple weather phenomena ranging from active winds and dust storms to the possibility of rainfall and fog formation.

Weather details in the northern regions

The report indicated that the northern regions of the Kingdom will be most affected by the drop in temperatures, encompassing large parts of the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders . This decrease will be accompanied by increased surface wind activity, which may reduce horizontal visibility, necessitating caution for those traveling on highways and open roads in these areas. These regions are typically the first point of entry for cold air masses arriving from the north, making them susceptible to rapid and significant temperature fluctuations.

Winds and dust in the central and eastern regions

In a related context, the National Center for Meteorology highlighted the effects of active winds stirring up dust and sand, which are expected to affect parts of the Riyadh, Qassim, and Eastern Province . These weather phenomena are considered part of the Kingdom's typical climate during periods of weather fluctuations, as surface winds contribute to stirring up suspended dust, which may affect air quality and visibility. This necessitates that those with respiratory conditions and asthma take the necessary precautions when going outside.

Chance of rain and fog in the highlands

On another note, the report indicated that there remains a chance of light rain in parts of the aforementioned regions, in addition to the rain extending to parts of the highlands of Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan . These areas are characterized by their mountainous terrain, which facilitates cloud formation and rainfall. The center also noted the possibility of fog forming in parts of the highlands of these regions, a common natural phenomenon in mountainous areas due to air saturation with humidity and low temperatures, which could lead to near-zero visibility in the early morning or late evening hours.

The importance of following weather forecasts

These forecasts are part of the National Center for Meteorology's ongoing efforts to monitor and track climate changes in the Kingdom, with the aim of providing accurate information that contributes to the safety of citizens and residents. These reports are of paramount importance to vital sectors such as transportation and agriculture, as well as being crucial for individuals in planning their commutes and daily activities, especially given the Kingdom's vast geographical diversity, which leads to varying weather patterns from one region to another.

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing food security and improving the efficiency of services provided to pilgrims, the Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Mr. Majid Al-Hogail, launched the "Mawrdi" platform in the Holy City of Mecca. This initiative is the result of a strategic partnership between Al-Balad Al-Ameen Company (the investment arm of the Holy City Municipality) and Sari Company, a leader in supply chain solutions, to form a unified digital platform for managing and organizing food supply chains in the Holy City.

Strategic context within Vision 2030

The launch of this platform comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the Kingdom's accelerated progress towards achieving the goals of Vision 2030, particularly the "Serving the Guests of God" program. The Kingdom aims to host 30 million Umrah and Hajj pilgrims annually by 2030, a goal that necessitates a robust logistical infrastructure and smart supply systems capable of handling this enormous demand. Makkah is a unique global model for crowd management, making the automation of supply chains an urgent necessity to ensure food sustainability and safety.

The importance of the platform for food security in the holy sites

The launch of "Mawrdi" is of paramount importance given the unique geographical and temporal characteristics of Mecca. The high demand during Hajj and Umrah seasons necessitates a precise balance between supply and demand to prevent food waste or shortages. The new platform serves as a vital link in the catering system, which meets the needs of over 1.8 million pilgrims during the season, in addition to millions of Umrah performers and visitors throughout the year. This digital transformation ensures the availability of high-quality food at competitive prices, while reducing reliance on paper-based and traditional transactions that may present operational challenges.

How the platform works and its technical features

The "Mawrdi" platform operates as an integrated B2B marketplace, connecting suppliers with central kitchens, catering companies, and other relevant entities within a unified digital environment. The platform offers advanced features including:

• Order management and real-time tracking of operations to ensure on-time delivery.
• Providing accurate data and analysis to support strategic decision-making for regulatory and commercial entities.
• Enabling suppliers to showcase their products, manage inventory and purchase orders electronically to increase market reach.
• Providing kitchens and catering companies with the opportunity to track supply chains and proof of delivery to ensure reliability.

Strengthening governance and transparency

The launch ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Makkah and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Balad Al-Ameen Company, Mr. Musaed Al-Dawood, along with several industry leaders. The platform primarily aims to enhance seasonal preparedness by providing real-time market insights, thereby improving coordination among stakeholders and implementing clear procurement and supply standards. This approach strengthens governance, transparency, and rapid response to any emergencies in the supply chain, positively impacting the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage experience and improving operational efficiency for service providers.