Saudi qualified personnel are actively working at Istanbul International Airport in Turkey as part of the 'Makkah Route' initiative, providing a comprehensive model of field services aimed at facilitating the journey of the guests of Allah from the moment they leave their countries until they arrive at their accommodations in the Kingdom. This initiative reflects the advancement of the pilgrimage service system.
This team, which includes specialists in passports, technology, and logistics services, operates in high harmony within an advanced operational system that allows for the completion of pilgrims' procedures in the country of departure, ensuring a smooth journey while saving time and effort.
Event Details
Several Saudi personnel working in the initiative confirmed that serving the guests of Allah represents a great honor and responsibility. They noted that working with a team spirit and integration among the participating entities contributes to providing a smooth and safe experience, reflecting the level of care that the Kingdom dedicates to pilgrims.
Many pilgrims benefiting from the initiative expressed their satisfaction with the speed of procedures and ease of movement, affirming that these services have alleviated the hardships of travel, allowing them to focus on performing their rituals with ease and tranquility.
Background & Context
The 'Makkah Route' initiative is part of the ongoing efforts by the Kingdom to enhance services for the guests of Allah through the adoption of advanced digital solutions and the development of operational procedures, achieving the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision in providing a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience that starts from the country of departure and ends in the holy sanctuaries.
It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Interior has been implementing the initiative in its eighth year in collaboration with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, Hajj and Umrah, Media, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the General Authority for Awqaf, the Guests of Allah Service Program, and the General Directorate of Passports, in integration with the digital partner (STC Group).
Impact & Consequences
Since its launch in the year (1438 AH/2017), the initiative has served more than 1,254,994 pilgrims, reflecting its success in achieving its goals. This initiative not only facilitates the journey of pilgrims but also enhances the Kingdom's image as a leading destination in providing pilgrimage services.
These efforts contribute to strengthening relations between the Kingdom and other Islamic countries, as the experience of pilgrims abroad is part of the overall image of Saudi hospitality, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to providing the best services to the guests of Allah.
Regional Significance
The 'Makkah Route' initiative serves as a model for providing logistical services to pilgrims, which may encourage other countries to adopt similar solutions. This reflects a positive trend towards enhancing cooperation among Islamic countries in the field of Hajj and Umrah.
In light of the challenges faced by many countries in organizing Hajj trips, the success of this initiative could open new horizons for regional cooperation in this field, contributing to improving the experience of pilgrims in the future.