Initiative "Makkah Route" Expands to Bangladesh for the Fifth Time
In the seventh year of the "Makkah Route" initiative, the Ministry of Interior has directed its efforts towards implementing this program for the fifth time in Southeast Asia, specifically in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. This country, which boasts a population of approximately 170 million, predominantly speaks Bengali, and will see this initiative brought to fruition through the collaboration of multiple governmental entities. These include the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, Hajj and Umrah, and Media, alongside the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the General Authority for Endowments, the Guests of Rahman Program, and the General Directorate of Passports.
The "Makkah Route" initiative made its initial strides in Bangladesh in 2019, two years after its inception in 2017. Following that year, further expansions occurred in 2022, 2023, and 2024, with plans already in place for the initiative to continue its important work in 2025. This year, the program is set to assist pilgrims departing from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the capital, Dhaka. Many pilgrims expressed joy and satisfaction with the streamlined procedures enabled by a dedicated Saudi team utilizing modern technologies, which significantly reduced time and effort during their pre-travel processes. As a result, they will be able to depart with ease to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina, allowing them to perform the fifth pillar of Islam with peace of mind.
The "Makkah Route" initiative is expressly designed to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from participating countries. Its main goal is to facilitate the smooth handling of various procedures within the pilgrims’ home countries. From biometric data collection and electronic visa issuance to completing passport checks at departure airports, the initiative ensures that all health requirements are met. The program also manages luggage coding and sorting according to transport and accommodation arrangements within Saudi Arabia. Moreover, it provides dedicated shuttle services to transport pilgrims to their lodgings in the holy cities of Makkah and Medina, while partner entities are responsible for delivering their luggage directly to their accommodations.
This concerted effort not only alleviates the burden on pilgrims but also enriches their overall experience by ensuring that they can focus on their spiritual obligations without the added stress of logistical challenges. The success of the "Makkah Route" program underscores the significance of international cooperation in facilitating the global community of Muslims, particularly during Hajj season, which witnesses millions of faithful from diverse backgrounds converge in Saudi Arabia for one of the most sacred rites in Islam.
The collaborative nature of this initiative showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience while aligning with broader goals of modernizing and digitizing travel procedures. By leveraging advanced technology and meticulous planning, the initiative paves the way for a more efficient process, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in providing exceptional services to the global Muslim community.
Furthermore, the focus on providing these streamlined services in the pilgrims’ countries of origin reflects an understanding of the diverse needs of different communities. The adaptability of the "Makkah Route" initiative to cater specifically to the conditions and requirements in Bangladesh is a testament to its careful planning and execution.
As the initiative continues to develop and expand, it serves as a clear indication of the proactive steps being taken to enhance the Hajj experience, ensuring that all who wish to fulfill this vital religious obligation can do so with dignity, comfort, and ease. In an increasingly interconnected world, the "Makkah Route" initiative represents a remarkable feat of international collaboration and shared devotion, fostering a spirit of unity among the diverse populations participating in the Hajj pilgrimage.
