萝莉视频

Makkah Route Initiative: Enhancing the experience for once-in-a-lifetime journey

Kingdom鈥檚 Makkah Route initiative involves dedicated services at 12 airports in 8 countries including the Maldives and Cote d鈥橧voire. (Supplied/X/Makkah Route Initiative)
Kingdom鈥檚 Makkah Route initiative involves dedicated services at 12 airports in 8 countries including the Maldives and Cote d鈥橧voire. (Supplied/X/Makkah Route Initiative)
Short Url
Updated 28 May 2025

Makkah Route Initiative: Enhancing the experience for once-in-a-lifetime journey

Makkah Route Initiative: Enhancing the experience for once-in-a-lifetime journey
  • The initiative involves dedicated services at 12 airports in 8 countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco, the Maldives and Cote d鈥橧voire
  • Now in its seventh year, more than 1m pilgrims benefitted from the initiative, says ministry

RIYADH: The Makkah Route Initiative by 萝莉视频鈥檚 Ministry of Interior aims to make the once-in-a-lifetime journey easy for foreign pilgrims by enhancing their Hajj experience.

Now in its seventh year, the initiative is carried out by the ministry as part of the Vision 2030 Pilgrim Experience Program.

The ministry recently announced that more than 1 million pilgrims have benefited from the initiative since its launch, reaffirming the Kingdom鈥檚 commitment to serving Hajj pilgrims.




Makkah Route Initiative: A farewell wave, and a smile preceded by satisfaction as a pilgrim completing the procedures with ease at Karachi Airport. (Supplied/X/Makkah Route Initiative)

Established in 2018 and activated in 2019, the initiative enables pilgrims to complete their entry procedures to 萝莉视频 at their home countries鈥 airports.

Upon arrival in the Kingdom, pilgrims and their luggage are directly transported to their accommodation in the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, avoiding long lines and wait times at the airport.

Pilgrims arriving under the initiative spend only a few minutes at the Saudi immigration counters.

HIGHLIGHTS

鈥 Makkah Route Initiative enables pilgrims to complete their entry procedures to 萝莉视频 at their home countries鈥 airports.

鈥 Pilgrims arriving under the initiative spend only a few minutes at the Saudi immigration counters.

It includes dedicated lounges at 12 airports in eight countries 鈥 Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco, the Maldives and Cote d鈥橧voire.

Malaysian pilgrim Hasna Hamza, who arrived for her pilgrimage last week, expressed her heartfelt thanks to the Saudi government for facilitating the journey.




Makkah Route Initiative: A farewell wave, and a smile preceded by satisfaction as a pilgrim completing the procedures with ease at Karachi Airport.听(Supplied/X/Makkah Route Initiative)

Aged 74, she described the process as 鈥渟mooth, respectful and deeply spiritual.鈥

She completed her travel procedures in Kuala Lumpur 鈥 including biometric collection, health screening, passport validation and luggage processing.

Upon arrival in Madinah, she and fellow pilgrims were swiftly transferred to their accommodation with their luggage.




Bangladesh Ambassador M. Delwar Hossain welcoming the Bangladeshi pilgrims at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah. (Supplied/Embassy of Bangladesh)

Naved Hasan, a Pakistani pilgrim told Arab News that the initiative enables pilgrims 鈥渢o be fully committed to performing one of their holiest duties with peace of mind.鈥

Mohammed Mubarak, a Bangladeshi pilgrim, added: 鈥淐ompleting all the necessary procedures before leaving my home country saved me a lot of time and stress.鈥

The first group of 414 Bangladeshi pilgrims arrived at the Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on April 29.




A Hajj pilgrim completing the procedures with ease upon arrival under Makkah Route Initiative. (File photo)

Bangladesh Ambassador to 萝莉视频 M. Delwar Hossain welcomed them at the airport, and assured that the Bangladesh Embassy, Consulate and Bangladesh Hajj Mission were available to support them.

The program, led by multilingual national teams and supported by advanced technology, ensures a smooth and spiritual experience for all pilgrims.

Underscoring 萝莉视频鈥檚 commitment to pilgrims through the Makkah Route Initiative, Saudi Ambassador to Morocco Dr. Sami Al-Saleh said the initiative 鈥渟treamlines Hajj procedures and ensures a peaceful journey for pilgrims traveling from their home countries to the Kingdom.鈥




Makkah Route Initiative: A Hajj pilgrim completing the procedures with ease at Jakarta Airport. (Supplied/X/Makkah Route Initiative)

Al-Saleh added that the widely embraced initiative in Morocco enables pilgrims to fulfill all travel procedures at Mohammed V International Airport in their home country.

萝莉视频 launched the Makkah Route Initiative in the Maldives this week, making it the eighth country to benefit.

Officially inaugurating the initiative at Velana International Airport in Male on Monday, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu presented the passport to the first pilgrim from a group of 234.

The ministries of media, health and Hajj and Umrah in 萝莉视频 run campaigns through social media to provide all the necessary information.

The Ministry of Hajj has reiterated that all intending to perform Hajj must obtain an official permit through the 鈥淣usuk鈥 platform, in technical integration with the unified digital platform for Hajj permits, 鈥淭asreeh.鈥

The ministry emphasized that compliance with regulations is essential to protect the safety and well-being of pilgrims, and to ensure a smooth and secure Hajj experience.

In an official statement, the ministry stressed that no separate visa category 鈥 other than the official Hajj visa 鈥 grants its holder the right to perform Hajj.

Hefty fines up to SR100,000 ($26,000) will be enforced for anyone attempting to perform Hajj without the necessary visa.

The Makkah Route Initiative is run in coordination with several government entities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and Ministry of Media, the Saudi Data and AI Authority, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the General Authority for Awqaf, the Pilgrim Experience Program and the General Directorate of Passports.


2 journeys, 1 destination: Hajj through the eyes of the young, elderly

2 journeys, 1 destination: Hajj through the eyes of the young, elderly
Updated 10 June 2025

2 journeys, 1 destination: Hajj through the eyes of the young, elderly

2 journeys, 1 destination: Hajj through the eyes of the young, elderly
  • Generations decades apart walk same sacred path

MINA: Mina was alive in recent days with the footsteps of millions, yet every pilgrim鈥檚 pace told a different story, from those who waited decades for the moment to those capturing it in real time.

In the tent city of Mina, two pilgrims rested side by side: one catching his breath, the other capturing a selfie. One scrolled through prayer times on his smartphone; the other adjusted the strap of his orthopedic sandal. One leaned on a walking stick; the other scrolled through digital navigation. But both wore the same white ihram and followed the same steps.

This was the paradox of Hajj 2025, where generations decades apart walked the same sacred path in remarkably different ways. They shared no common language except the unspoken one of faith.

For 73-year-old Moinuddin from Pakistan, the pilgrimage was a long-awaited dream, one that had been etched over decades of supplication.

He said: 鈥淚 have the desire and I ask help from God to give me courage and power to perform this Hajj for the Isaal-e-Sawaab (gifting of spiritual rewards) for my mother.鈥

He paused often, not just for rest, but to reflect 鈥 at Arafat, in Muzdalifah, and between the pillars of Jamarat.

Just a few rows behind him, Mustafa, 22, from Denmark, documented his Hajj in quick snaps and video clips. He brought a camera with him to capture the moments for his friends and family back home. He said: 鈥淐oming here as a young person, I am grateful. I see a lot of older people and it鈥檚 difficult; you have to work a lot.鈥

While Mustafa relied on digital navigation to track his group, Moinuddin leaned gently on a young companion鈥檚 shoulder. Both pilgrims endured the same sun, the same crowds, and the same powerful rituals, but the lens through which they experienced Hajj was shaped by their stage in life.

As the majority of pilgrims were elderly, many arrived with wheelchairs, walkers, or full family support. Their presence was treated with reverence 鈥 volunteers readily offered water, fans, and silent prayers as they passed.

In contrast, the younger generation brought a different rhythm 鈥 one of documentation, discovery, digital devotion, QR codes at checkpoints, real-time language translation apps, and virtual guides to make this year鈥檚 Hajj more accessible than ever.

But tech aside, the younger pilgrims still found themselves drawn into moments of stillness.

What binds both ends of the age spectrum was the raw, shared surrender to something greater. In a space where nationality, status, and language dissolve, so too does age. You could be 18 or 81 鈥 you still bow to the same qibla.

At Mina, where pebbles were cast in symbolic defiance of ego, one young man gently steadied an old man鈥檚 arm before throwing his own stones. A quiet exchange, but one that said everything.

As pilgrims circled the Kaaba one final time before departure, the generational divide faded further. Some walked swiftly, others were pushed gently in wheelchairs, but all completed the same Tawaf Al-Wadaa (farewell tawaf).

The journey in the end was not measured in steps or speed, but in surrender. And that, in the valley of Makkah, was a language every pilgrim spoke fluently.


Exploring the hidden gems of 萝莉视频鈥檚 sacred heritage

Beyond the holy cities, other sacred destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. (Supplied/File
Beyond the holy cities, other sacred destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. (Supplied/File
Updated 09 June 2025

Exploring the hidden gems of 萝莉视频鈥檚 sacred heritage

Beyond the holy cities, other sacred destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. (Supplied/File
  • In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means 鈥淢ountain of Light鈥

JEDDAH: As pilgrims complete the sacred rites of Hajj, many embark on a deeper spiritual journey by exploring historic Islamic sites across 萝莉视频 to connect with the roots of their faith.

In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means 鈥淢ountain of Light.鈥 At its peak lies the Cave of Hira, where the first verses of the Qur鈥檃n were revealed through the Angel Jibreel.

The mountain鈥檚 distinctive camel-hump shape makes it a striking landmark, especially with the nearby Hira Cultural District, where the Revelation Gallery offers pilgrims to learn the story of divine revelation and history.

Beyond the holy cities, other sacred destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. (Supplied/File photo)

Ahmed Khan, a private tour guide said: 鈥淭here鈥檚 something unexplainable about standing where it all began. When I take pilgrims to Jabal al-Nour, many of them are moved to tears it鈥檚 not just a climb, but it鈥檚 a spiritual awakening.鈥

To the south lies Jabal Thawr, the mountain that cradled the Prophet and his companion Abu Bakr as-Siddiq in its cave during their migration to Madinah. The story of divine protection, where a spider鈥檚 web and a dove鈥檚 nest concealed their presence from their pursuers, resonates deeply with pilgrims.

Another frequently visited site is Jabal Abu Qubays, believed in some traditions to be the first mountain placed on Earth. As the closest peak to the Grand Mosque, it resonates with the early public da鈥檞ah and the great spiritual responsibility.

FASTFACTS

鈥 Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah, remains a must-visit site for pilgrims. 

鈥 Programs like 鈥楬ala,鈥 launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating journeys for pilgrims to explore with knowledgeable guides. 

Nearby, the modest yet historically significant Al-Bay鈥檃h Mosque marks the location of the Pledge of Aqabah, where the Ansar of Madinah pledged allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad.

Built during the Abbasid era, it symbolizes early Muslim unity and commitment to the new faith. A short distance away in Al-Hajun district is Jabal Al-Sayyidah, at the base of which lies the revered Al-Ma鈥檒a Cemetery, resting place of Khadijah, the Prophet鈥檚 beloved wife. Her grave remains a focal point of deep reverence.

鈥淧ilgrims love visiting these places and it helps them to understand the sacrifices of the people who shaped Islam,鈥 Khan added.

Madinah has its own timeless legacy. Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah and marked a defining shift in Muslim identity and remains a must-visit site for pilgrims.

Hussain Rauff, regional director of Madinah Hotels at Elaf Al-Taqwa, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e planning to organize guided tours across Madinah to help pilgrims explore the city鈥檚 rich Islamic heritage. It鈥檚 a meaningful way to extend their spiritual journey beyond the rituals of Hajj.鈥

Further west of the Prophet鈥檚 Mosque lies the cluster known as the Seven Mosques, each linked to events from the Battle of the Trench. Among them are Al-Fath Mosque and those named after figures such as Fatimah, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Salman Al-Farsi. These mosques are rich in historical memory and serve as reminders of hardship during one of Islam鈥檚 critical battles.

Mount Uhud rises just north of Madinah city, its slopes reminds of the Battle of Uhud and the place where the Prophet鈥檚 uncle, Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib, and 70 companions were martyred. Today, pilgrims pause at the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery indicating the modesty found in victory and the strength drawn from loss.

Equally powerful is a visit to Baqi鈥 Al-Gharqad Cemetery, the resting place of many of the Prophet鈥檚 family members and companions. Located near the Prophet鈥檚 Mosque, the cemetery has long served as a site for prayer and remembrance, offering pilgrims a moment of intimate connection with those who stood beside the Prophet during Islam鈥檚 formative years.

Beyond the holy cities, other destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. Northwest of Madinah lies Khaybar, the site of a pivotal military campaign that showcases both the strategic and ethical dimensions of the Prophet鈥檚 leadership. Its volcanic terrain and ancient fortifications tell stories etched in stone.

Fatima Al-Mutairi, a pilgrim from Kuwait: 鈥淚 am planning to visit these places in Jeddah and Taif after my Hajj. I am planning to visit the Tomb of Hawa in Jeddah and in Taif, I look forward to visiting Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas, to pay tribute to one of the great scholars whose work in Qur鈥檃nic interpretation and Hadith continues to inspire many seekers of knowledge.鈥

Recognizing the growing desire for such experiences, programs like 鈥淗ala,鈥 launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating immersive journeys for pilgrims to explore these sacred sites with knowledgeable guides and spiritual context.

Mohammed Al-Shahrani, experience officer in Hajj and Umrah sector said: 鈥淥ur aim is to enrich the post-Hajj experience. We want pilgrims to understand that the journey of faith continues, and 萝莉视频 is opening its heritage for those who wish to walk in the footsteps of the Prophet.鈥

 


MWL, GCC chiefs praise 萝莉视频鈥檚 Hajj success

MWL, GCC chiefs praise 萝莉视频鈥檚 Hajj success
Updated 09 June 2025

MWL, GCC chiefs praise 萝莉视频鈥檚 Hajj success

MWL, GCC chiefs praise 萝莉视频鈥檚 Hajj success
  • Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa also extended his congratulations on behalf of all MWL agencies

RIYADH: The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassem Al-Budaiwi, has congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on a successful Hajj season.

鈥淭his success reflects the Saudi government鈥檚 great efforts and capabilities in serving pilgrims and ensuring they perform rituals with ease, safety and security,鈥 he said.

Al-Budaiwi praised the Kingdom鈥檚 advanced infrastructure, precise organization, use of modern technologies 鈥 including artificial intelligence 鈥 and skilled workforce.

鈥淭hese efforts delivered an exceptional Hajj experience and reaffirmed 萝莉视频鈥檚 leadership in serving Islam and Muslims,鈥 he added. The secretary-general also lauded the Kingdom鈥檚 continuous development of the Hajj system.

Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa also extended his congratulations on behalf of all MWL agencies.

He praised the generous care provided to pilgrims, highlighting the smooth movement between holy sites and the commitment to ensuring their comfort and spiritual focus.

 


Maldivian president leaves 萝莉视频 after official visit

Maldivian president leaves 萝莉视频 after official visit
Updated 09 June 2025

Maldivian president leaves 萝莉视频 after official visit

Maldivian president leaves 萝莉视频 after official visit
  • Deputy Mayor of Jeddah Ali Mohammed Al-Qarni and Ahmed bin Dhafer, director of the Royal Protocol Office in the Makkah region, were among the officials present

JEDDAH: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu departed 萝莉视频 on Monday.

Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi and several other officials accompanied Muizzu to King Abdulaziz International Airport to wish him farewell, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Deputy Mayor of Jeddah Ali Mohammed Al-Qarni and Ahmed bin Dhafer, director of the Royal Protocol Office in the Makkah region, were among the officials present.

 


Spiritual journey of Hajj pilgrims ends with gifts and souvenirs

As Hajj concludes, pilgrims commonly engage in the cherished custom of purchasing gifts. (SPA)
As Hajj concludes, pilgrims commonly engage in the cherished custom of purchasing gifts. (SPA)
Updated 09 June 2025

Spiritual journey of Hajj pilgrims ends with gifts and souvenirs

As Hajj concludes, pilgrims commonly engage in the cherished custom of purchasing gifts. (SPA)
  • Many gifts symbolize the holy sites and carry deep religious significance
  • Popular choices include Zamzam water, prayer beads, and copies of the Holy Qur鈥檃n

MAKKAH: Throughout their profound journey of faith, especially as Hajj concludes, pilgrims commonly engage in the cherished custom of purchasing gifts.

They flock to the malls and markets of Makkah, particularly those around the Grand Mosque. This tradition expresses their spiritual fulfillment and prepares them for their return home, blessed by Allah for having performed the sacred rites, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

Gift buying represents joy at Hajj鈥檚 successful conclusion and strengthens social bonds between relatives, SPA added.

Many gifts symbolize the holy sites and carry deep religious significance. Popular choices include Zamzam water, prayer beads, and copies of the Holy Qur鈥檃n.

Pilgrims also frequently buy perfumes like incense and musk, along with various types of dates 鈥 ajwa dates being especially sought after.

The markets of Makkah and Madinah see a significant boom after Hajj, bustling with pilgrims of diverse nationalities.

These vibrant markets include modern malls in the Haram area, the traditional Aziziyah Market, the Hijaz Market, and bazaars near the Prophet鈥檚 Mosque in Madinah.

Merchants actively meet this demand, offering a wide range of products, special offers for pilgrims, and often discounts on bulk purchases.