As part of its role as a digital enabler, stc contributed to the success of the Hajj season, where 4% growth in digital transactions and services compared to last year has been recoded. This growth reflects the increase in demand for the company’s services provided by its digital channels, which also ensures the Group’s leading role as the most prominent digital enabler in the region.

Further, data traffic witnessed an increase in usage during the first days of Eid al-Adha, topped by the applications that were targeted by stc in its special packages presented for its clients where the demand for messaging applications increased by

173%

compared to normal days due to exchanging greetings, followed by Snapchat which recorded an increase

121%

During Eid Day, internet data services recorded a growth that exceeded 18%, and voice traffic increased by 8% as compared to last year.

Moreover, international communications traffic was boosted on stc’s network and was transmitted to most countries. Yemen, Sudan and Egypt topped the list where the communication demand rose over

990%

compared to normal days during peak hours.

stc provided digital solutions and services during the Hajj season for the year 1443 which included digital medical services, security and monitoring services such as network monitoring systems and screens, as well as drones to monitor the traffic in the holy sites. stc also provided an innovative solution to track the status of the digital infrastructure at the holy sites, Makkah, and Madinah through its smart dashboard in order to ensure the quality of the communications services and facilitate the pilgrims’ communication and support them during their presence in these holy places.

stc supported the 5G network with hundreds of sites in various areas of Makkah and the holy sites including the sites of the Two Holy Mosques and other locations which are frequently visited by pilgrims. This reflects the civilized interface of the Kingdom and its worldwide technological development.

During this year’s Hajj season, stc kept pace with the latest technologies and digital solutions in the Information and Communications Technology industry. This reflects stc’s commitment to its leading role and harnessing its human and technological capabilities to ensure the comfort and safety of the pilgrims, as well as empower the operating sectors during the Hajj season.