Details of the success of the Makkah Route initiative at Istanbul Airport to serve pilgrims

Qualified Saudi personnel continue their dedicated work at Istanbul International Airport in Turkey, as part of the Makkah Route Initiative, to provide a comprehensive and innovative model of field services. This pioneering initiative aims to facilitate the journey of pilgrims from the moment they depart their home countries until they arrive at their accommodations in Saudi Arabia, offering a unique experience that reflects the significant and ongoing development of the Hajj and Umrah services system.

Launch of the Makkah Route Initiative and the historical development to serve the pilgrims

Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has undertaken the honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, and has worked over the decades to develop infrastructure and streamline procedures. In 1438 AH (2017 CE), the Makkah Route Initiative as one of the most important programs stemming from Saudi Vision 2030, specifically within the Guests of God Service Program. This historic step aims to bring about a qualitative shift in the way pilgrims are received, as all entry procedures, including biometric fingerprinting and health verification, are completed at the airports of departure countries instead of waiting upon arrival at the Kingdom's entry points. This represents a radical development in the history of crowd management and international travel.

A convenient and safe experience for pilgrims at Istanbul Airport

These national teams, comprised of elite specialists in passports, modern technologies, and logistics, work seamlessly within an advanced operational system. This system allows pilgrims to complete their procedures in their country of departure, ensuring a smooth journey and unprecedented savings in time and effort. Several Saudi staff members working on the initiative emphasized that serving the pilgrims is both an honor and a great responsibility, noting that teamwork and collaboration among participating entities contribute to providing a convenient and safe experience, reflecting the Kingdom's exceptional care for its pilgrims. For their part, a number of pilgrims who benefited from the initiative expressed their deep satisfaction with the speed of the procedures and ease of movement, affirming that these services alleviated the hardships of travel and enabled them to focus on performing their rituals with ease and peace of mind.

Strategic dimensions and the initiative's regional and international impact

The initiative's impact extends beyond the local level, contributing to the realization of Vision 2030's objectives, to encompass crucial regional and international dimensions. Regionally, its implementation in countries like Turkey strengthens cooperation among Islamic nations and provides a model for cross-border security, health, and logistical coordination. Internationally, the initiative sets new global standards in civil aviation and travel management, demonstrating the ability of modern technologies and international governmental cooperation to facilitate the movement of hundreds of thousands of passengers quickly and with the highest levels of safety and reliability.

Integrating national efforts to ensure the success of the initiative

The Ministry of Interior is implementing the initiative for the eighth year in close collaboration with 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). Efforts are also being combined with those of the General Authority for Endowments, the Guests of God Service Program, and the General Directorate of Passports, in conjunction with the digital partner (stc Group). Thanks to this high level of coordination, the initiative has witnessed remarkable success since its launch, serving more than 1,254,994 pilgrims, which underscores the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality services to the guests of God and facilitating their spiritual journey.