Standard response from the Saudi emergency system

The National Security Operations Center (911) announced a remarkable record in the volume of incoming reports, receiving 84,866 calls via the unified emergency number in just one day, on Thursday, January 22, 2026. This statistic included four main regions: Riyadh, Makkah, the Eastern Province, and Madinah, reflecting the operational pressure and high efficiency with which the center operates around the clock to serve citizens, residents, and visitors.

Call distribution and key metrics

According to data released by the center, the Riyadh region topped the list with the highest number of calls, at 35,352, followed by the Makkah region with 26,247 calls, then the Eastern Province with 16,200 calls, and finally the Madinah region with 7,067 calls. The center noted that the average number of incoming calls was approximately 58 per minute, a strong indicator of growing confidence in the security system and its ability to respond quickly and effectively to various types of reports.

Project background and strategic objectives

The Unified Security Operations Center (911) project is one of the most important initiatives launched by the Saudi Ministry of Interior as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The project aims to unify the various emergency numbers (such as police, traffic, civil defense, and the Red Crescent) into a single, easy-to-remember and use number, thereby reducing response times and improving the quality of security and humanitarian services. The 911 centers are equipped with the latest global technologies to ensure immediate coordination between different security and service agencies and to direct resources to incident sites with exceptional accuracy and speed.

Local significance and impact on quality of life

The center's importance lies in its pivotal role in strengthening the Kingdom's security and public safety system. By receiving and efficiently processing security and service-related reports, the center contributes to preserving lives and property. Furthermore, the presence of qualified personnel fluent in multiple languages ​​ensures service delivery to all segments of society, including visitors, pilgrims, and Umrah performers from around the world. This integrated service positively impacts quality of life indicators and enhances the sense of security among the Kingdom's residents and visitors.

A leading position at both the regional and international levels

The impact of this project extends beyond the local level, placing the Kingdom among the world's leading nations in emergency and crisis management. The ability to efficiently handle such a massive volume of calls, particularly in vital areas like Mecca and Medina, which experience immense population density during Hajj and Umrah seasons, highlights the Kingdom's organizational and technological capabilities. This model serves as an inspiration for many countries in the region seeking to develop their security and service systems.

The National Security Operations Center 911 affirms its commitment to handling all reports with complete confidentiality, and encourages everyone to report any emergency without hesitation, while ensuring that the report is transferred to the competent authority and followed up until the situation is resolved, within the framework of an integrated work system aimed at achieving the highest levels of security and safety for the community.

Death of an icon of Saudi weather forecasting

The Saudi media and society were shocked today (Friday) by the news of the death of renowned media personality and meteorologist, Hassan Karani, who was the most famous weather presenter on Saudi television. Karani passed away after a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional media presence and a memory etched in the minds of millions of Saudis whose daily lives were intertwined with his voice and face.

The late broadcaster was renowned for his spontaneous and engaging style of weather forecasting, and for his melodious voice with which he would conclude his daily broadcasts with his timeless phrase: “My dear listeners, thank you for listening, with my best wishes.” This phrase was more than just a closing; it became a unique vocal signature and an integral part of the evening rituals in every Saudi home, and a landmark in the history of visual media in the Kingdom.

Historical context: The voice of the family in the pre-internet era

To understand the extent of Hassan Karani's influence, it's essential to return to the historical context in which he rose to prominence. In the 1980s and 90s, before the widespread adoption of the internet and instant weather apps, Saudi television was the primary source of information and entertainment for families. The news broadcast, including the weather segment, was a daily event that brought families together. In this context, Karani was not merely a conduit of information; he was a trusted daily guest in every home, reassuring farmers, guiding travelers, and sharing details of the day ahead with a style that blended scientific accuracy with simple presentation.

A career journey from Mecca to the media world

Hassan Karani was born in Mecca in 1949 and began his career in Saudi radio as an announcer and program presenter. However, his passion for science led him to specialize in meteorology, a rare field at the time. He didn't just present the news; he actively contributed to the development of the sector, holding administrative positions at the General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection. He played a pivotal role in developing both the technical and media aspects of weather information dissemination. His career spanned more than 40 years, during which he participated in numerous international conferences and seminars as a certified climate expert, reflecting the depth of his knowledge and his influence that extended far beyond the television screen.

An impact that transcends generations and a lasting legacy

Hassan Karani's influence extends far beyond his role as a television presenter; he was a cultural icon representing an entire era. His voice resonated with the childhood and youthful memories of generations. His death sparked a wave of grief and tributes on social media, where he was remembered by citizens, officials, and media figures alike as an integral part of their personal and national history. This widespread outpouring of support underscores that Karani was more than just a public servant; he was a public figure who forged a bridge of trust and affection with the public, making him a media legacy that will endure. He officially retired in 2019, bringing to a close a career marked by significant contributions.

The funeral prayer for the deceased is scheduled to take place at Al-Amoudi Mosque in Jeddah Governorate, after which he will be buried in Hawa Cemetery, thus concluding a humanitarian and professional journey that left a good impression on the hearts of millions.