logo
Madinah Prepares for Air Departures as Pilgrims Head Home Post-Hajj

Madinah Prepares for Air Departures as Pilgrims Head Home Post-Hajj

Asharq Al-Awsat4 hours ago

Government entities in the Madinah Region have begun seeing off pilgrims returning to their home countries through the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, after performing Hajj this year with ease and tranquility.
Following Hajj, large numbers of pilgrims are arriving in Madinah to pray at the Prophet's Mosque and extend their greetings to Prophet Muhammad and his two companions.
To streamline their departure, a program has been implemented to facilitate their transfer from residences to the airport, the Saudi Press Agency said on Monday.
The program is overseen by the Hajj and Visit Committee in the region and relevant entities to ensure the orderly and timely departure of flights to various destinations.
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport achieved notable success during the pre-Hajj phase, efficiently handling the Hajj flights.
During the arrival period, the airport received 719,400 pilgrims, accounting for 49% of pilgrims arriving by air to the Kingdom this Hajj season.
Starting from 1 Dhul-Qi'dah, 1,910 flights carrying pilgrims from 196 cities in 53 countries arrived at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, operated by 65 airlines. This accounted for 60% of all Hajj flights received by Saudi airports during the arrival phase.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Saudi Arabia Eyes Tourism as Key Economic Pillar by 2030
Saudi Arabia Eyes Tourism as Key Economic Pillar by 2030

Asharq Al-Awsat

time36 minutes ago

  • Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia Eyes Tourism as Key Economic Pillar by 2030

Saudi Arabia is positioning its tourism sector to rival oil as a cornerstone of the national economy by 2030, targeting a 10% contribution to GDP. This ambitious goal is part of the Kingdom's broader Vision 2030 plan to diversify income sources and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons. To achieve this goal, Saudi Arabia is developing a comprehensive tourism ecosystem. This includes mega-projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea, alongside nationwide infrastructure upgrades spanning major cities, villages, and remote areas. These efforts are already bearing fruit: the Kingdom surpassed 100 million visitors well ahead of schedule, prompting an upward revision of its target to 150 million tourists by the end of the decade. Tourism revenues have surged, growing more than 148% in 2024 compared to 2019. The sector's contribution to GDP has doubled to 5%, also generating thousands of new jobs and reinforcing Saudi Arabia's presence on the global tourism map. Speaking at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted the Kingdom's rapid progress in establishing tourism as a foundational economic sector. He credited sweeping reforms, a pro-investment regulatory framework, and a robust national tourism strategy for the industry's momentum. The transformation includes major legislative and operational milestones: the rollout of a new tourism law, streamlined e-visa procedures, the establishment of training programs for Saudi talent, and the introduction of tech-driven visitor experiences. These initiatives aim to enhance both competitiveness and sustainability. Industry experts say Saudi Arabia's geographic, climatic, and cultural diversity gives it a strong edge. From the mountains of Asir and the historic sites of AlUla to the beaches of the Red Sea, the Kingdom offers varied attractions catering to a broad range of travelers. Nasser Al-Ghailan, a tourism investor and partner in Amla Tourism Group, said these natural advantages have been transformed into strategic assets. He pointed to infrastructure improvements, expanded airport capacity, and new airline routes connecting the Kingdom to the region and the world. 'Combining modern infrastructure with digital innovation and high service quality has made Saudi Arabia a rising player on the global tourism stage,' he said, noting growing interest from investors. In the Asir region, Abdullah bin Ahmed, Vice President of the Tourist Guide Club, emphasized the importance of community engagement and local workforce development. He sees tour guides as cultural ambassadors who can convey the richness of Saudi heritage to international audiences. 'People are the heart of the tourism experience. Empowering them is key to long-term success,' he said. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, Saudi Arabia led the G20 in tourism growth in 2024, with a 69% rise in international arrivals compared to 2019. With strategic investments and a clear vision, Saudi Arabia is on track to become a premier global destination, delivering unique travel experiences while maintaining a delicate balance between economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability.

Madinah Prepares for Air Departures as Pilgrims Head Home Post-Hajj
Madinah Prepares for Air Departures as Pilgrims Head Home Post-Hajj

Asharq Al-Awsat

time4 hours ago

  • Asharq Al-Awsat

Madinah Prepares for Air Departures as Pilgrims Head Home Post-Hajj

Government entities in the Madinah Region have begun seeing off pilgrims returning to their home countries through the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, after performing Hajj this year with ease and tranquility. Following Hajj, large numbers of pilgrims are arriving in Madinah to pray at the Prophet's Mosque and extend their greetings to Prophet Muhammad and his two companions. To streamline their departure, a program has been implemented to facilitate their transfer from residences to the airport, the Saudi Press Agency said on Monday. The program is overseen by the Hajj and Visit Committee in the region and relevant entities to ensure the orderly and timely departure of flights to various destinations. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport achieved notable success during the pre-Hajj phase, efficiently handling the Hajj flights. During the arrival period, the airport received 719,400 pilgrims, accounting for 49% of pilgrims arriving by air to the Kingdom this Hajj season. Starting from 1 Dhul-Qi'dah, 1,910 flights carrying pilgrims from 196 cities in 53 countries arrived at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, operated by 65 airlines. This accounted for 60% of all Hajj flights received by Saudi airports during the arrival phase.

Transport minister inspects Jeddah airport's readiness for pilgrims' departure
Transport minister inspects Jeddah airport's readiness for pilgrims' departure

Saudi Gazette

time11 hours ago

  • Saudi Gazette

Transport minister inspects Jeddah airport's readiness for pilgrims' departure

Saudi Gazette Report MAKKAH — Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser inspected on Sunday King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to assess its operational readiness for the departure of pilgrims following the completion of their Hajj rituals. During the visit, the minister reviewed the procedures in place for receiving pilgrims and facilitating their departure, including the workflow in departure lounges, the performance of services and facilities, and overall operational efficiency. The inspection aimed at ensuring a smooth travel experience and deliver top-quality services to pilgrims in line with the highest international standards. The arrival phase of this year's Hajj season saw more than 1.4 million pilgrims arrive by air from outside the Kingdom. They traveled on over 10,000 scheduled and chartered international flights via King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. Pilgrims came from 71 countries and 238 destinations, with 11 departure halls designated for their reception.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store