Egyptian pilgrims were welcomed at Yanbu port to perform Umrah during Ramadan
In a scene of faith reflecting the deep fraternal ties and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to serving the pilgrims, the General Directorate of Border Guards at Yanbu Commercial Port welcomed the first groups of Umrah pilgrims arriving from the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt to perform Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH. The reception ceremony took place amidst a festive atmosphere and high-level organization, reflecting the complete readiness of the relevant authorities in the Kingdom to receive pilgrims during the Umrah season.
Integrated service system and security facilities
The General Directorate of Border Guards, in coordination with various agencies operating at the port, mobilized all available human and technological resources to ensure the smooth flow of entry. These efforts included activating modern digital pathways to expedite passport procedures and security checks, thereby reducing waiting times and providing comfort for pilgrims after their arduous sea journey. These measures are part of the Border Guards' responsibilities at land and sea ports, which extend beyond security to include humanitarian aspects such as providing assistance to the elderly and people with disabilities.
Yanbu Port: A strategic gateway to the Two Holy Mosques
Receiving pilgrims through Yanbu Commercial Port is of paramount strategic importance, as the port is one of the Kingdom's most important maritime gateways on the Red Sea coast and a key entry point for those traveling to Medina and Mecca. Operating this port to receive pilgrims helps alleviate pressure on Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdulaziz International Airport, ensuring a more even distribution of pilgrims and facilitating smoother traffic flow, especially during peak seasons such as the holy month of Ramadan. Furthermore, the port's proximity to Medina makes it a preferred choice for many pilgrims wishing to visit the Prophet's Mosque before proceeding to Mecca.
Kingdom Vision 2030 and serving the guests of God
These intensive efforts are part of the "Serving the Guests of God" program, one of the programs under the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to facilitate the hosting of more Umrah pilgrims and ease their access to the Two Holy Mosques, while providing high-quality services that enrich the religious and cultural experience of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The facilities provided at Yanbu Port reflect the Kingdom's firm commitment to developing port infrastructure and modernizing reception procedures, befitting the Kingdom's status as the heart of the Islamic world.
Saudi-Egyptian relations and the Umrah season
Egyptian pilgrims are among the most numerous nationalities performing Umrah, and maritime travel between Egyptian ports (such as Safaga and Hurghada) and Saudi ports witnesses a significant increase during religious seasons. This warm welcome in Yanbu reflects the deep historical ties between the two countries and the ongoing cooperation to facilitate the journey of Egyptian pilgrims from their departure until their arrival in the Holy Land, underscoring the integrated roles of all sectors in serving those visiting the House of God.
