The Makkah Route Initiative reaches Senegal: Unprecedented facilities for pilgrims
Launching the initiative in Senegal to serve pilgrims to the Sacred House of God
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the launch of the “Makkah Route” initiative in the Republic of Senegal, at the initiative's terminal in Blaise Diagne International Airport. This launch comes as part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to facilitate the Hajj pilgrimage for the guests of God and enhance their spiritual experience from the moment they depart their countries until their safe return.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by a high-level delegation, headed by the Acting Director General of Passports, Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, and the Chargé d'Affaires of the Kingdom’s Embassy in Senegal, Mr. Mohammed bin Ghazi Al-Otaibi, in addition to the Secretary General of the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, Mr. Khare Jouf, and a number of officials from both the Saudi and Senegalese sides.
What is the “Makkah Route” initiative and what are its strategic objectives?
The “Makkah Route” initiative is one of the pioneering initiatives of the Saudi Ministry of Interior, and it falls under the Guests of God Service Program, one of the most important programs of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims to the Sacred House of God, by completing their entry procedures to the Kingdom from the airports of their countries, thus saving them time and effort when they arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.
The services provided include issuing Hajj visas electronically, collecting biometric data (fingerprints), and completing Saudi passport procedures at the departure airport after verifying that all necessary health requirements are met. Additionally, pilgrims' luggage is coded and sorted according to their transportation and accommodation arrangements within the Kingdom, ensuring direct delivery to their accommodations without the need to wait at the airport.
The positive impact and continued expansion of the initiative
Since its launch in 1438 AH (2017 CE), the Makkah Route Initiative has achieved remarkable success, serving over 1.25 million pilgrims from around the world. This year, the Ministry of Interior is implementing the initiative for the eighth consecutive year, in collaboration with its partners from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, Hajj and Umrah, and Media, as well as the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), and the Guests of God Service Program.
The expansion of the initiative to include Senegal reflects the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries and underscores the Kingdom's commitment to serving Muslims worldwide. This expansion also highlights the Kingdom's pioneering role in leveraging technology and innovation to serve the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, presenting a unique global model for crowd management and the efficient and seamless organization of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
