Visitors of Allah, Welcome to Our Country

If you were to ask any man about the qiblah of Muslims, he would undoubtedly

respond that it is located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This qiblah is not only considered

the heart of the Islamic world but also the starting point of Islam. It is an immense honor for

the leaders and citizens of Saudi Arabia to have this responsibility, which we bear with pride

every day and every year.

It is undeniable that our leaders have made tremendous efforts and taken generous

steps to ensure the sanctity and upkeep of the most holy Islamic places. Their commitment

and dedication to these important religious sites is evident in the exceptional services that are

provided to visitors of the two holy mosques .

Every year before the time of Hajj, several strategic plans, special projects and accurate

organizational procedures are announced to insure the safety, security and relaxation of

visitors of the two holy mosques.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced several important projects and

organizational procedures in preparation for the Hajj season. Among the most significant

projects are the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques and the completion of the courtyards of

the Two Holy Mosques.

In addition, the Kingdom has opened a new pedestrian tunnel in the Jarwal neighborhood

that is approximately one kilometer long and provides direct access to the northern

courtyards of the Haram in Makkah. This tunnel is one of the most important roads leading

to the Haram and has been designed to facilitate easy and safe access for pilgrims, while also

reducing congestion in the area.

The tunnel is equipped with high-quality air conditioners, surveillance cameras, and other

essential services to ensure that pilgrims can enjoy a comfortable and safe journey to the

Haram. The Kingdom's commitment to providing these services is a testament to our leaders'

dedication to the well-being and satisfaction of our guests.

It is important to highlight the significant transportation projects that have been

implemented to enhance the experience of pilgrims visiting the holy Islamic places in Saudi

Arabia.

The Express Train of the Two Holy Mosques, which began operating in 2018, is the largest

public transport project and has greatly facilitated the transportation of visitors between

Makkah and Madinah. Additionally, the train that transports pilgrims between Jeddah and

Makkah has made travel more convenient and efficient.

The free bus transportation service from King Abdul-Aziz Airport in Jeddah to the Haram in

Makkah, which operates every two hours, has also been established to make it easier for

visitors to reach their destination.

Furthermore, the development of airports near the Haram has been a key priority to ensure

that pilgrims from all over the world can perform Hajj and Umrah with ease.

The Sunnah Path project, which allows pilgrims and Umrah performers to walk from the

Prophet's Mosque to the Quba Mosque according to the Sunnah of the Prophet, is another

initiative that has been implemented to enhance the spiritual journey of visitors.

Another important project that must be mentioned is the "Makkah Road" project,

which is implemented by the Ministry of the Interior in order to streamline the Hajj process

for visitors of Allah before their arrival in the Kingdom.

The project includes several steps, starting with the electronic Hajj visa, which enables

pilgrims to apply for their visas online and complete the necessary procedures from their

home countries. Upon their arrival in the Kingdom, pilgrims are received in designated halls,

where their passports, visas, and health certificates are verified and necessary procedures are

completed. Pilgrims are then transported directly to their places of residence in Makkah.

It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of using advanced

technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance the experience of visitors during the

Hajj season.

In recent years, the use of smart technologies such as the smart Hajj card, the smart bracelet,

and the smart robot has greatly facilitated the provision of services to pilgrims. These

technologies have streamlined processes and reduced waiting times, making the experience

more efficient and convenient.

The Manasikuna program, the electronic path program, the Green Feelings program, and the

Ask Hajj program are other examples of how technology has been used to enhance the

spiritual journey of pilgrims. These programs provide valuable information and guidance to

pilgrims throughout their journey, helping them to navigate the various aspects of the Hajj

season.

We pray to God to preserve the Kingdom, its leadership and its people, and to help us

all to serve and care for the pilgrims and Umrah performers. We ask God to perpetuate

goodness and blessings upon the Islamic nation.

Jouri Albeladi

PhD in Management and Planning

Jori_albeladi@