The first batches of pilgrims from several countries arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday to perform the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia has embarked on early preparations for the new Hajj season to receive over 2 million Muslim pilgrims expected to arrive later this month. Anticipating record-breaking numbers of pilgrims, the Saudi government and private sector agencies are collaborating in the operational plans to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of the pilgrims in and around Mecca.
The Saudi authorities have facilitated all entry procedures to help the pilgrims complete their spiritual journey and return back to their homelands with smooth and fulfilling Hajj experience.
Indian Pilgrims
On May 10, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah received a flight of pilgrims arriving from the Republic of India.
Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, welcomed the first batch of 283 Indian pilgrims.
The authorities announced that they have provided professional teams speaking different languages to ensure easy and professional communication with the pilgrims.
Turkish Pilgrims
The first batch of Turkish pilgrims arrived at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.
A bouquet of flowers, souvenirs, and light refreshments marked the welcoming ceremony for the arrival of the Turkish pilgrims.
They are part of Makkah Route initiative, launched by the Ministry of Interior to achieve the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.
Bangladeshi Pilgrims
The first Hajj flight from Bangladesh, carrying 415 pilgrims, landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Thursday morning.
The Bangladeshi Ambassador to the Kingdom, Mohammad Javed Patwary, joined other officials to welcome the first batch of pilgrims.
“We are really happy to serve the pilgrims from Bangladesh. We have seen smooth service for the last three years under the Makkah Route Initiative; it is going better and better every year,” Patwary said.
Thai Pilgrims
Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah has welcomed the first flight of pilgrims arriving from the Kingdom of Thailand.
The Makkah Route Initiative
The Makkah Route Initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s Guests of God Service Program, inaugurated by King Salman in 2019.
It aims to provide visitors of the holy sites with the best possible services to help them perform their Hajj rituals easily and comfortably.
According to the initiative, pilgrims can complete all necessary procedures, including electronic visa issuance, biometric data collection, and airport departure checks in their home country.
The Presidency of Religious Affairs
The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Two Holy Mosques warmly welcomed the first batch of pilgrims, showering them with gifts and informative material to enrich their spiritual journey in the Kingdom.
Furthermore, they provided them with copies of the Holy Quran and guidance books in their native languages.
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