Makkah Route Initiative Sets Role Model of Saudi Humanity
According to the initiative, pilgrims can complete all necessary procedures, including electronic visa issuance, biometric data collection, and airport departure checks in their home country.
Therefore, pilgrims do not have to worry about their luggage. Saudi Authorities directly transfer it to their places of residence in Makkah and Madinah.
Upon arrival at Saudi airports, the Kingdom offers a warm welcome that truly depicts the spirit of Islamic hospitality.
Apart from this, the initiative features a pure humanitarian spirit represented in taking care of the elderly and sick and accompanying them from the start of their journey until they arrive at their residence in the Kingdom.
Launched in 2017 as part of Saudi Vision 2030, the initiative features a revolutionary program designed to boost the pilgrimage experience for guests of Allah from Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco, Bangladesh, Turkey, and the Ivory Coast.
The initiative has served more than 617,756 pilgrims in collaboration with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, Hajj and Umrah, and Information, 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.
Related Topics:
Hajj 2025: SDAIA Boosts Makkah Route Initiative with Technical Services
Ivorian Hajj Pilgrims Applaud Makkah Route Initiative
Makkah Route Initiative: Saudi Arabia Streamlines Luggage Handling for Pilgrims – Video
Short link :
Post Views: 137
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Pakistan's deadline for Hajj applications under government scheme to expire today
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's deadline for receiving Hajj 2026 applications under the government scheme is set to expire today, Monday, state-run media reported as authorities says over 110,000 applications have been received during the last 12 days. Pakistan extended the deadline for receiving Hajj applications under the government scheme on Saturday. The country announced earlier this month it has been allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims, of which 129,210 seats have been allocated under the government scheme and the rest to private tour operators. Pakistan's religious affairs ministry said on Saturday that designated banks will keep receiving Hajj applications on Monday, adding that only 7,000 seats under the government scheme were available. 'Today is the last date for submission of applications under government Hajj scheme,' state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said in a report. 'The process of receiving Hajj applications will be stopped once seats are filled.' Only designated banks would receive the applications, the ministry had clarified last week, adding that its online portal would stop accepting applications at midnight on Aug. 16. Pakistan began receiving applications on Aug. 4, advising applicants to obtain computerized receipts and verify their details through the ministry's portal or the Pak Hajj 2026 app. Under the government scheme, pilgrims can choose between a long package (38-42 days) and a short package (20-25 days), with costs ranging between Rs1,150,000 and Rs1,250,000 ($4,050–4,236). Applicants are required to deposit a first installment of Rs500,000 [$1764] or Rs550,000 [$1941] depending on the package, while the remaining dues will be collected in November. Saudi Arabia had approved the same quota for Pakistan in 2025, though private tour operators last year struggled to utilize their share, saying they faced technical and financial delays, even as the government filled its quota of over 88,000 pilgrims.
Arab News
2 days ago
- Arab News
Designated banks stay open today as Pakistan receives Hajj applications on final day
ISLAMABAD: Designated banks across Pakistan are open today for the receipt of Hajj applications from intending pilgrims under the government scheme, according to the Pakistani religious affairs ministry. Pakistan has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims. Of this, 129,210 seats have been allocated for the government scheme and the rest for private tour operators. The religious affairs ministry this week said it had received 91,000 applications under the government scheme. The religious affairs ministry said the State Bank of Pakistan accepted its request and issued orders to keep open branches of 14 designated banks for the receipt of Hajj applications on the final day. Pakistan began receiving Hajj applications on Aug. 4. 'Bookings will be closed once the required number of applicants is reached,' the ministry said. 'Hajj applications received on a first-come, first-served basis will be considered valid.' It urged Hajj applicants to obtain a computerized receipt from the bank and check their details on the ministry's online portal or Pak Hajj 2026 app. 'In case of any mistake, get it corrected immediately by the concerned bank,' the ministry added. Under the government scheme, pilgrims can choose between a long Hajj package (38–42 days) and a short package (20–25 days). The estimated cost of the government Hajj package ranges between Rs1,150,000 and Rs1,250,000 (approximately $4,050 to $4,236). 'It is mandatory to submit the first installment of Rs500,000 or Rs550,000 along with the application according to the package,' the ministry said this week. 'The second installment of Hajj dues will be collected from November 1.' Saudi Arabia approved the same overall quota for Pakistan in 2025, but a significant portion of the private allocation went unused due to delays by tour operators in meeting payment and registration deadlines, while the government fulfilled its share of over 88,000 pilgrims. Private operators blamed the shortfall on technical issues, including payment processing and communication problems.
Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Visual Arts Commission set to launch Art Bridges Cultural Programs in Scotland, Japan, Korea, and Spain
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Visual Arts Commission (VAC) announced the launch of the Art Bridges 2025–2026 Cultural Trips initiative, starting in September. The first program, in collaboration with the British Council, will take place in Scotland from September 22 to 27, 2025. Additional programs will be held in Japan from October 31 to November 7; South Korea from November 19 to 27; and Spain from March 2 to 9, 2026. Applications for these three programs opened on Wednesday. The application window for Japan will close on August 21, while applications for Korea and Spain will remain open until August 31. The initiative features four distinguished programs designed to advance professional development and international cultural exchange for Saudi and Saudi-based visual artists, cultural practitioners, creative professionals, and cultural producers. The programs will be implemented across four international destinations, underscoring the commission's commitment to professional development, global connectivity, and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. The commission CEO Dina Amin said that these professional programs offer Saudi and Saudi-based cultural practitioners a unique opportunity to share their creative voices with the world, reflecting the depth and diversity of Saudi Arabia's artistic landscape. Each Art Bridges program is tailored to the distinctive cultural and creative context of its destination, incorporating engagement with thought-leaders, leading cultural centers, museums, galleries, and artists' studios. Participants will engage in workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and dialogues with prominent figures from the local art scenes, fostering meaningful exchange and strengthening professional expertise. Thematic focuses for the 2025–2026 programs include: Japan—Art and the Environment: Exploring how artists and art practitioners respond to natural, urban, and traditional surroundings through material, scale, and site; South Korea—Identity through Art and Community: Examining grassroots cultural movements, artist-led spaces, and collaborative platforms; Spain—Heritage and Collectivism: Highlighting how collective practice, heritage, and social purpose converge in both contemporary and historic cultural spaces. Applicants must be over 21 years of age, possess a minimum of five years of professional experience in their field, and present a strong portfolio demonstrating their contributions to the cultural sector. Proficiency in English and full commitment to the program schedule are mandatory. The full criteria are detailed in the application form. The Art Bridges initiative represents a cornerstone of the Visual Arts Commission's mission to expand Saudi Arabia's cultural voice on the global stage, cultivate sustainable creative ecosystems, and build enduring international partnerships.
