Among the first visitors was Nicola Conticello, a 60-year-old tourist from Catania, who arrived at 5 a.m. local time. "I felt the need to be here this morning, to stand in line. It was something I had to do. He was a great man who truly left us a powerful message — a call to help those in need, the poor. A great pope," he told the AFP.

A microbiologist and Catholic deacon from the Netherlands, spoke of his desire to be close to the late pope, saying, "We were at the funeral yesterday, and now we really would like to pray with the Pope."

The project was started by explorer Mohammad Fohaid Al-Sohaiman Al-Rammali to stop people from dying of thirst in the desert, even when water is nearby.

The beacons are simple to use, do not rely on GPS or electronic devices, and need little maintenance.

Eleven beacons have been installed so far, but with support from the government, the project is expected to expand with more than 100 beacons planned for the Hail and Jouf regions.

Speaking about the project, Al-Rammali said, “This can save lives and bring peace of mind to travellers in the desert.”

The initiative aims to prevent tragedies in the vast desert, where travellers can easily get lost. The beacons provide a clear and reliable guide, making the desert safer for all.