A SR2 billion ($533 million) project to transform the Saudi Arabian city of Arafat into a smart city is in the pipeline awaiting royal approval, a report said.

The “Modern Arafat Tent Project" will rebuild the infrastructure of Arafat including drain canals, protective barricades, electricity stations, a separate train and the setting up of large dams on the outskirts of the valleys, sources were quoted in Okaz/Saudi Gazette.

"The project has become a strategic need. It will include building fire-proof tents all over Arafat, which are important in light of the recent fire that engulfed 120 tents,” Muhammad Al-Qarni, adviser to the Minister of Haj, was quoted in the report.

“Also, we all remember the floods that took place in previous seasons and caused damage to tents and posed danger to pilgrims,” he added.

According to the sources, new tents will be taller, fire-resistant and will consist of two floors in order to increase their total capacity by up to 71 per cent to accommodate eight million pilgrims.