Over a Million Pilgrims Benefit from the Services and Facilities of the “Makkah Road Initiative” Since Its Launch
In a significant development, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced that over one million pilgrims have benefited from the “Makkah Route” initiative since its launch in 2017. This program streamlines the pilgrimage process, allowing individuals to complete essential procedures in their home countries, including biometrics, obtaining electronic Hajj visas, and processing passports at their departure airports. The initiative ensures that health requirements are met before proceeding, while luggage is organized, tagged, and sorted according to transport arrangements to the Kingdom. Pilgrims are then transported directly to their accommodations in Makkah and Madinah via designated buses, with partner organizations responsible for delivering their luggage.
The Makkah Route initiative, launched by the Saudi Ministry of Interior in the year 1438 AH (2017 AD), is a key component of the country’s commitment to providing exceptional services for international pilgrims. By leveraging advanced digital capabilities and skilled personnel, the initiative aims to facilitate a seamless and enriching Hajj experience for visitors, allowing them to fully engage in their spiritual journey from the moment they depart their home country’s airports until they arrive at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah or King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. This comprehensive service operates around the clock, involving multiple partner organizations.
The program’s journey began in 2017 when the Ministry of Interior announced its dedication to enhancing the quality of services available to pilgrims outside Saudi Arabia. Rolling out the initiative in Malaysia, a total of 1,692 pilgrims benefitted from the program in its inaugural year. The following year, in 1439 AH (2018 AD), the initiative expanded to include both Malaysia and Indonesia, benefiting a total of 103,057 pilgrims.
In 1440 AH (2019 AD), the Makkah Route initiative continued its growth, incorporating additional countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Tunisia. The number of beneficiaries rose to 171,919. The Kingdom of Morocco joined the initiative in 1443 AH (2022 AD), further broadening its outreach alongside existing participants like Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, attracting 98,816 pilgrims that year.
The program reached a remarkable achievement in 1444 AH (2023 AD), as it served a record 242,272 pilgrims from Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Morocco, Turkey, and Ivory Coast. This expansive reach underscores the initiative’s effectiveness in simplifying the pilgrimage experience for a diverse array of international visitors.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with various entities, including the ministries of foreign affairs, Hajj and Umrah, health, media, and the General Authority of Civil Aviation, among others, will continue the Makkah Route initiative into 1445 AH (2024 AD). The program will be operational for the sixth consecutive year in designated terminals across 11 airports in seven countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Morocco, Turkey, and Ivory Coast. The goal for this upcoming season is ambitious, with projections to serve approximately 322,901 pilgrims.
In essence, the Makkah Route initiative exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing the Hajj experience by ensuring that logistics and health requirements are managed efficiently from the pilgrims’ home countries. This pioneering program not only reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to serving the guests of Allah but also aligns with the broader objectives of Vision 2030, aiming to elevate the standards of service and hospitality for millions embarking on this sacred journey each year. As this initiative continues to evolve and expand, it fosters a deeper connection to the cultural, religious, and spiritual significance of Hajj for pilgrims worldwide.
