Tawakkalna app: A comprehensive digital experience for pilgrims through the Makkah Route Initiative
embodies The Tawakkalna app the advanced level of digital integration that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is harnessing to serve pilgrims, providing a seamless digital experience for beneficiaries of the “Makkah Route” initiative. This comprehensive national application allows pilgrims to view their Hajj cards and permits electronically within a sophisticated technological framework. These efforts contribute to streamlining procedures and enhancing the efficiency of services provided to pilgrims from the very beginning of their spiritual journey, thus ensuring a smooth and convenient digital experience that meets their expectations.
The roots of digital transformation in serving pilgrims
This technological advancement was not a sudden occurrence, but rather an extension of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places serving pilgrims at the heart of its priorities. The "Makkah Route" initiative was launched in 1438 AH (2017 CE) as a strategic step aimed at streamlining procedures for pilgrims from their home countries, starting with issuing visas electronically and continuing with passport control at the departure airport. With rapid technological development, the need arose for a unified platform to consolidate these services. This is where modern technologies came in, connecting the various stakeholders and making the pilgrim's journey more organized and secure compared to previous decades, which relied entirely on traditional paper-based procedures.
Regional and international impact of Tawakkalna application services
This technological integration holds immense significance, extending beyond local boundaries to have a positive impact at both the regional and international levels. By streamlining procedures, the Kingdom is setting a global benchmark for managing large crowds using technology. This development contributes to reducing waiting times at airports and border crossings, ensuring the smooth flow of pilgrims from their departure from their home countries until their arrival at their accommodations in Mecca and Medina. Furthermore, this system enhances health and organizational security, reflecting the Kingdom's exceptional ability to harness innovation to serve Muslims from around the world and solidifying its leading position in driving government digital transformation globally.
Advanced technology system led by “SDAIA”
The Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is developing and operating the digital ecosystem for the “Makkah Route” initiative by connecting participating entities within a unified technological environment. This environment contributes to expediting procedures and ensuring the accuracy of data and biometric verification. It also enables pilgrims to view their Hajj permits and related services, thus ensuring their comfort and safety.
Figures and statistics reflect the scale of the achievement
The app offers over 1,300 services in collaboration with more than 350 government and private entities, all contributing to improving the quality of life for users by providing easy access to services that benefit pilgrims during their stay. It boasts over 35 million users, with more than one million active users daily.
Government efforts are combined to ensure the success of the initiative
The Ministry of Interior is implementing the “Makkah Route” initiative for the eighth year in cooperation with several government entities, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, Hajj and Umrah, and Media, as well as the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the General Authority for Endowments, the Guests of God Service Program, and the General Directorate of Passports, in partnership with the digital partner (stc Group). Since its launch, the initiative has benefited more than 1,254,994 pilgrims, confirming its continued and steady success.
