Over 1.2 miln pilgrims benefited from Makkah Route Initiative since launch

Makkah Route Initiative has transformed the Hajj journey for more than 1.2 million pilgrims since its launch by providing faster immigration, digital processing and integrated travel services from pilgrims’ home countries to the holy sites in Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2026) Makkah Route Initiative has transformed the Hajj journey for more than 1.2 million pilgrims since its launch by providing faster immigration, digital processing and integrated travel services from pilgrims’ home countries to the holy sites in Saudi Arabia.

According to SPA, the initiative was launched by the Ministry of Interior in 2017 under the Pilgrim Experience Program, one of the programs of Saudi Vision 2030, to facilitate Hajj procedures and improve services for pilgrims before their departure to the Kingdom.

The report said the initiative reflects the Saudi leadership’s commitment to utilizing human, technical and digital resources to provide pilgrims with a smooth and spiritually enriching Hajj experience.

During the seventh year of the initiative in 1446 AH, the number of beneficiaries exceeded 1.2 million pilgrims, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s advanced digital capabilities and integrated operational system for serving pilgrims.

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This year, Senegal and Brunei joined the initiative, increasing the number of participating countries to 10 served through 17 international airports.

The initiative currently facilitates pilgrims from Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Türkiye, Morocco, Côte d'Ivoire, Maldives, Senegal and Brunei.

Authorities said the initiative uses modern digital technologies and artificial intelligence to speed up immigration, biometric verification, visa issuance and electronic luggage coding at departure airports.

The system also includes dedicated arrival routes and buses transporting pilgrims and their luggage directly to accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, helping create a smoother and more memorable spiritual journey for pilgrims.