Saudi Arabia launches the Makkah Route initiative in Senegal to serve pilgrims
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launched the Makkah Route Initiative in the Republic of Senegal today, at Blaise Diagne International Airport in the capital, Dakar. This strategic step reflects the wise leadership's commitment to facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage and providing the utmost comfort for the pilgrims. The launch ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including the Acting Director General of Passports, Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Senegal, Mohammed bin Ghazi Al-Otaibi, and the Secretary General of the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs, and Senegalese Abroad, Mr. Kharr Diouf.
Historical development of the Makkah Route Initiative within Vision 2030
is The Makkah Route Initiative one of the most prominent achievements of the “Guests of God Service Program,” a key component of Saudi Vision 2030. This pioneering initiative was first launched in 1438 AH (2017 CE) with the aim of transforming the Hajj experience. Since then, the Kingdom has expanded the initiative to include several Muslim countries worldwide, reflecting its historical and religious commitment to serving Muslims. Since its inception, the initiative has successfully served over 1,254,994 pilgrims, highlighting its remarkable achievement and its capacity for crowd management and streamlined procedures using cutting-edge digital technologies.
Dimensions and impacts of the initiative, both locally and internationally
The implementation of this initiative in Senegal has profound implications and far-reaching positive effects. Locally, in Senegal, the initiative eases the burden on Senegalese pilgrims, allowing them to complete all entry procedures into the Kingdom from their home airport with ease and convenience. Regionally and internationally, this expansion solidifies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a global leader in utilizing technology to serve humanity and manage major events. It also strengthens bilateral relations between Riyadh and Dakar and underscores Islamic solidarity and joint cooperation in removing obstacles for Muslims to perform their rituals with peace of mind.
A comprehensive package of high-quality services for pilgrims
The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from participating countries. This includes receiving pilgrims and facilitating their entry procedures smoothly in their home countries, starting with issuing Hajj visas electronically and collecting biometric data, and continuing with the General Directorate of Passports' procedures for entry into the Kingdom at the departure airport, after verifying that all necessary health requirements are met.
In addition, the services include baggage tagging and sorting according to transportation and accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom. Upon arrival, pilgrims are transferred directly to designated buses to take them to their accommodations in the Makkah and Madinah regions via dedicated routes, while partner agencies ensure the safe and accurate delivery of their luggage.
Institutional integration and strategic partnerships for the success of the initiative
The Ministry of Interior is implementing this initiative for the eighth year in close cooperation and institutional integration with several governmental and private entities. These include the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, Hajj and Umrah, and Media, in addition to the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and 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 are also participating, in coordination with the digital partner (stc Group), to ensure a seamless and integrated digital experience befitting the Kingdom's stature and its esteemed guests.
