Saudi Arabia’s ‘Road to Mecca’ Hajj initiative marks 7 years, serves 940,000 pilgrims

Cairo: A Saudi initiative aimed at easing the Hajj journey for pilgrims from selected countries has entered its seventh year of full operation, coinciding with the arrival of the first groups of pilgrims in the Kingdom ahead of this year’s pilgrimage.

Officially known as the "Road to Mecca" initiative, the scheme benefits pilgrims from seven countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Morocco, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Côte d’Ivoire, operating through 11 airports in these nations.

The programme streamlines pre-departure procedures, including biometric data collection, electronic Hajj visa issuance, and verification of health requirements.

It also finalises passport processes and handles luggage tagging and sorting at the departure airports.

Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, pilgrims are transported directly to their residences in Mecca or Medina via designated buses, with their luggage delivered straight to their accommodations.

Since its launch, the initiative has served 940,657 pilgrims, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The programme is a collaborative effort involving multiple Saudi government entities, including the Ministries of Interior, Health, Hajj and Umrah, and Information, along with the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, and the General Directorate of Passports.