Makkah Route Initiative: Innovative solutions to facilitate the Hajj journey from departure country to arrival

Ahmed Alzahrani _ Makkah

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia spares no effort in providing comfort and ease to the Guests of Allah, ensuring they enjoy high-quality services and a smooth pilgrimage experience. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Interior launched the “Makkah Route” Initiative as part of the broader “Pilgrim Experience Program” to revolutionize the way pilgrims are served. The pilot phase of the initiative began in 2018, and in 2019 it was fully launched to significantly enhance the experience of pilgrims arriving from seven countries as a first stage Objective of the Makkah Route Initiative The main goal of the Makkah Route Initiative is to streamline Hajj procedures starting from pilgrims’ countries of origin. Special attention is given to the elderly and individuals with special needs by automating and simplifying their travel procedures. These services are managed by Saudi passport control teams deployed abroad, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

Services Included in the Initiative Indonesia: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport – Jakarta Juanda International Airport – Surabaya Adisumarmo International Airport – Solo

Pakistan: Islamabad International Airport Jinnah International Airport – Karachi Turkey: Istanbul International Airport Esenboğa International Airport – Ankara Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur International Airport Morocco: Mohammed V International Airport – Casablanca Bangladesh: Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport – Dhaka Côte d’Ivoire:

Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport – Abidjan