Nokia andbRiyadh-based mobile network operator Zain Saudi have successfully demonstrated a 5G-enabled Virtual Reality use case in the Mashaer area and the Holy Mosque area in Makkah, allowing visitors to experience the islamic Hajj* pilgrimage remotely.

As part of the demonstration, high-resolution 360-degree video feeds were transmitted to room-size displays enabling the viewers to be immersed in the experience. Zain’s 5G network was used to send the feeds from cameras deployed in multiple locations in Makkah to cover the events in real time, utilizing the enhanced mobile broadband capability for the content delivery and the low latency for the real-time camera control.

“Millions of people from around the world visit Hajj every year, ‘ said Eng. Sultan Abdulaziz AlDeghaither, CEO of Zain Saudi Arabia. “This use case will allow them to have immersive remote view of locations they have to visit such as the holy mosque to choose the best time and avoid crowds.”

“Further, the concerned authorities will be able to provide better security to the pilgrims and the people of Saudi Arabia.”

*) Hajj is annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, the holiest city for Muslims. More than two million pilgrims visited Makkah as part of Hajj in 2018.