Mecca Route Initiative: Over 1 million pilgrims benefit from Saudi Arabia’s streamlined Hajj process

Dubai: Since its launch, the Mecca Route Initiative has facilitated the journey of more than one million pilgrims, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced Sunday.

Now in its seventh year, the initiative operates through a coordinated effort among key government bodies, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, Hajj and Umrah, and Media; the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA); the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority; the General Authority for Awqaf; the Pilgrim Experience Programme; and the General Directorate of Passports.

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the programme streamlines pre-travel processes at 11 airports across seven countries, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Morocco, Türkiye, and Côte d'Ivoire, making pilgrimage logistics more efficient and pilgrim-friendly.

Beginning in pilgrims’ home countries, the initiative collects biometric data, issues electronic Hajj visas, and processes passports while ensuring adherence to health protocols.

Luggage is carefully tagged and organized according to transportation and accommodation arrangements, and pilgrims are transported directly to their residences upon arrival in Mecca and Medina.

Led by multilingual national teams and powered by cutting-edge technology, the Mecca Route Initiative aims to provide a seamless and spiritually enriching journey for millions undertaking the sacred pilgrimage.

-- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE