The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia is gearing up to implement the Makkah Route Initiative for selected pilgrims from seven countries. This initiative falls under the Doyof Al-Rahman Program, which is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 executive programs. Having started in 2017, this will be the sixth year that Saudi Arabia is rolling out this initiative. Pilgrims from Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Côte d’Ivoire have been beneficiaries of this initiative. A total of 617,756 pilgrims from these countries have already benefited from the Makkah Route Initiative.
The main aim of the Makkah Route Initiative is to provide high-quality transportation services for pilgrims traveling from their respective countries to Saudi Arabia. This initiative seeks to simplify and streamline the travel procedures for pilgrims, making their journey easier and more convenient. The initiative allows pilgrims to complete their immigration procedures, including issuing visas electronically, taking biometrics, and passing through passport procedures in their country of departure. This enables pilgrims to bypass long immigration and customs procedures upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
As part of the Makkah Route Initiative, the pilgrimage travel procedures involve coding and sorting pilgrims’ luggage to be sent to their place of residence in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia will be directed to buses that will take them directly to their residences in Makkah or Madinah through designated paths. Service agencies will take care of delivering their luggage to their respective residences, ensuring a hassle-free arrival experience for the pilgrims.
The Ministry of Interior is working in collaboration with various government agencies such as the ministries of foreign affairs, health, and Hajj and Umrah, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the General Directorate of Passports, and Elm Company to implement the Makkah Route Initiative. These agencies will work together to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience for pilgrims from the selected countries.
Overall, the Makkah Route Initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts towards enhancing the pilgrimage experience for Muslims worldwide. By simplifying travel procedures and providing high-quality transportation services, this initiative aims to make the journey of pilgrims to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah more convenient and efficient. Through collaborations with various government agencies, Saudi Arabia is committed to ensuring a seamless experience for pilgrims undertaking the sacred journey of Hajj and Umrah.
In conclusion, the Makkah Route Initiative is a crucial step towards improving the overall pilgrimage experience for selected pilgrims from seven countries. By providing streamlined travel procedures, high-quality transportation services, and efficient luggage handling, this initiative aims to enhance the journey of pilgrims to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. With the cooperation of various government agencies, Saudi Arabia is dedicated to ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for pilgrims undertaking the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj and Umrah.
