Jeddah Airport's preparations for the Umrah season: The Director of Passports inspects the facilities
As part of intensive preparations for the Umrah season during the holy month of Ramadan, the Acting Director General of Passports, Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, conducted a field inspection tour of the passport control terminals at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The visit aimed to assess the readiness of operational plans and ensure the efficient processing of pilgrims arriving to perform Umrah.
Major General Al-Murabba's tour included the arrival and departure halls, as well as the dedicated Hajj and Umrah terminals, where he reviewed the operational procedures and the implementation phases of the passport control plan for the season. He also received a detailed briefing on the performance of the Evaluation and Performance Indicators Unit within the Operations Department, which aims to monitor and track performance levels in real time, contributing to the continuous improvement of services and enhancing the passenger experience.
General context and importance of the airport
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is the main air gateway for pilgrims arriving in Mecca, and it experiences the highest operational density among all airports in the Kingdom, especially during peak seasons such as Ramadan and Hajj. These preparations are part of a comprehensive system of services provided by the Saudi Arabian government to pilgrims, which has witnessed significant development over the years to facilitate their spiritual journey and ensure their comfort and safety.
These efforts align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 , of which the “Serving the Guests of God” program is a key pillar. The program aims to enrich and enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience by providing exceptional services and improving infrastructure, including airports and border crossings, to accommodate the increasing number of visitors, which is projected to reach 30 million pilgrims annually by 2030.
Expected impact and the importance of preparedness
The success of operational plans at King Abdulaziz International Airport directly impacts the Kingdom's international reputation as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The first impression a pilgrim forms upon arrival significantly influences their overall experience. Therefore, the Director General of Passports emphasized the importance of redoubling efforts and working as a unified team, stressing the need to utilize all available human and technological resources to serve the pilgrims and complete their procedures with accuracy and record speed.
He added that these efforts are not limited to facilitating entry, but also include providing a welcoming environment befitting the status of visitors, reflecting the Kingdom's civilized and honorable image in serving Islam and Muslims. The high level of preparedness of the General Directorate of Passports at international airports is a vital element in ensuring a smooth and safe experience for the millions of Muslims who flock to the Holy Land each year.
