Makkah Route Initiative Serves Around a Million Pilgrims Since Inception

The Makkah Route Initiative, launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Interior, has facilitated the Hajj journey for around one million pilgrims from outside the Kingdom. In its seventh year, this landmark achievement underscores the initiative's success in leveraging Saudi Arabia's advanced digital infrastructure and skilled personnel to provide a seamless and convenient Hajj experience.
 The initiative offers a unique religious, cultural, and spiritual journey for pilgrims, beginning from their departure airports in their home countries until their arrival at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. This is made possible through a dedicated 24/7 network of partners and service providers.
 This year, the Makkah Route Initiative operates from 11 airports across seven countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Morocco, Türkiye, and Côte d'Ivoire.
 The journey began in 2017 (1438 AH) with the Ministry of Interior announcing the initiative as part of the Pilgrim Experience Program, a key component of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Initially implemented in Malaysia, it benefited 1,692 pilgrims.
 The initiative steadily expanded its reach. In 2018 (1439 AH), Malaysia and Indonesia were included, serving 103,057 pilgrims. This grew in 2019 (1440 AH) to encompass Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Tunisia, assisting 171,919 pilgrims. Morocco joined the program in 2022 (1443 AH), with services extended to Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, benefiting 98,816 pilgrims. By 2023 (1444 AH), operations spanned Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Morocco, Türkiye, and Côte d'Ivoire, facilitating the journey for 242,272 pilgrims. Continuing across these seven countries in 2024 (1445 AH), the initiative served 322,901 pilgrims, bringing the total number of beneficiaries since its inception to 940,657.
 The Makkah Route Initiative streamlines the Hajj process for pilgrims in their home countries. This includes biometric data collection, electronic Hajj visa issuance, and passport control procedures at their departure airports. It also encompasses verifying health requirements, tagging and sorting luggage according to transportation and accommodation in the Kingdom, and direct transfer to buses for travel to their residences in Makkah and Madinah via designated routes. Partner agencies ensure the delivery of luggage to their accommodations.
 The Ministry of Interior collaborates with the ministries of foreign affairs, Hajj and Umrah, health, and media, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Saudi Data and AI Authority, the General Authority for Awqaf, the Pilgrim Experience Program, and the General Directorate of Passports to ensure the seamless implementation of the initiative.
 The Makkah Route Initiative will continue its mission to ease the path to Makkah for pilgrims, enabling an increasing number of Muslims to perform Hajj with peace of mind and the completion of essential procedures in their own countries.