What This Article Is About & Why It Matters
This article highlights a diplomatic and logistical milestone in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Pilgrim Experience Program. On May 18, 2025, Saudi Ambassador Saad bin Bakhit Al-Qathami visited the Makkah Route Initiative hall at Abidjan’s Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport. This smart travel corridor for pilgrims in Côte d’Ivoire streamlines visa, biometric, and baggage procedures—ensuring a dignified, seamless, and spiritually focused Hajj experience.
Vision-Aligned Article:
Ivory Coast Joins Makkah Route
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing the Hajj journey took a major step forward in West Africa with the Makkah Route Initiative hall at Abidjan’s Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport. On May 18, 2025, Saudi Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire Saad bin Bakhit Al-Qathami visited the site, accompanied by airport Director General Dr. Aka Manouan, to oversee operations and reaffirm Saudi support.
The Makkah Route Initiative, a pillar of Vision 2030’s Pilgrim Experience Program, ensures that pilgrims from participating countries enjoy streamlined pre-departure services. This includes e-visa issuance, biometric registration, customs clearance, and full baggage handling—completed before their flight departs for the Kingdom.
By doing so, Saudi Arabia removes stress and delays upon arrival, enabling pilgrims to begin their Hajj journey peacefully and with dignity. The initiative also includes health screenings and logistical coordination tied to accommodation and transport services in Saudi Arabia.
The Ambassador’s visit reflects the Kingdom’s deep commitment to faith-based diplomacy, regional inclusion, and the fusion of smart systems with cultural hospitality. Côte d’Ivoire joins a growing list of nations benefitting from Saudi Arabia’s innovative, compassionate leadership in serving pilgrims worldwide.
Vision & Progress: Smart Travel for Pilgrims
The Makkah Route is a bold step in Vision 2030’s mission to offer seamless, tech-enabled, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage journeys for Muslims worldwide.
Safety, Values & Global Cooperation
Pilgrims receive health checks, secure documentation, and baggage services—ensuring safety, respect, and personalized support at every step.
Peaceful Culture & West African Friendship
Saudi Arabia’s warm engagement with Côte d’Ivoire strengthens Islamic unity, cross-border hospitality, and cultural connection.
Historical Context: Faith Beyond Borders
From centuries of journeying by foot to smart corridors in modern airports, Saudi Arabia has continually evolved to serve pilgrims with honor.
International Benchmarks
Saudi Arabia’s model rivals best-in-class travel corridors seen in countries like South Korea and the UAE—combining biometric efficiency with cultural dignity.
Vision 2030 Metrics in Focus
- Makkah Route now operates in multiple African and Asian countries
- Visa, health, and customs pre-clearance done abroad
- Travel time and airport wait reduced significantly
- Enhances satisfaction rates of Hajj pilgrims
- Advances digital diplomacy and infrastructure coordination
To Our Global Friends
Saudi Arabia warmly invites the world to explore its visionary approach to faith and service. Through initiatives like the Makkah Route, the Kingdom welcomes pilgrims with care, technology, and heartfelt hospitality.
Helpful Government Links
- www.haj.gov.sa – Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Learn about the Makkah Route and Hajj services
- www.vision2030.gov.sa – Vision 2030 Portal: Explore how pilgrimage transformation drives national development
- www.sdaia.gov.sa – SDAIA: Learn about biometric systems and AI powering the pilgrim journey
Factbox Summary
Date: May 18, 2025
Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Event: Makkah Route site visit by Saudi Ambassador
Services: Biometric checks, visa issuance, baggage coding
Vision Link: Pilgrim Experience Program, AI-enabled border innovation
Discover
Step into a seamless pilgrimage journey with Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route Initiative. From Abidjan to Makkah, your sacred travel begins with care, speed, and dignity—driven by Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s deep respect for every pilgrim’s path.
15 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the Makkah Route Initiative?
It’s a pre-departure program allowing pilgrims to complete visa, customs, health, and baggage procedures at their home airports.
2. When was the Makkah Route launched in Côte d’Ivoire?
It became operational in 2025, with Saudi Ambassador Al-Qathami inspecting the hall in Abidjan on May 18.
3. What services are provided under this initiative?
The initiative offers biometric data collection, e-visa issuance, baggage coding, health checks, and travel coordination.
4. Why is this important for pilgrims?
It simplifies travel, reduces wait times in Saudi Arabia, and ensures a peaceful, spiritually focused experience upon arrival.
5. How does this relate to Vision 2030?
The initiative is part of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Vision 2030, which modernizes and enriches pilgrimage services.
6. Which other countries are part of the initiative?
The Makkah Route now includes multiple countries in Africa and Asia, including Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Bangladesh.
7. How does biometric processing help pilgrims?
It ensures secure identity verification, faster customs clearance, and greater safety for travelers and airport staff.
8. Who oversees the program implementation?
The Ministry of Interior and SDAIA collaborate on the technical, operational, and logistical aspects of the Makkah Route.
9. How are health protocols enforced in this system?
Pilgrims undergo medical screening to confirm they are fit for travel and meet Saudi Arabia’s health requirements.
10. What role does the Saudi Ambassador play?
Ambassadors oversee diplomatic coordination, visit sites, and support bilateral collaboration to implement the initiative successfully.
11. How is the luggage handled?
Baggage is coded and sorted based on the pilgrim’s accommodation and transport details in the Kingdom.
12. Is this initiative expanding?
Yes. More countries are being added each year to extend the benefits of pre-cleared, smart Hajj travel.
13. What does this mean for the Ivory Coast?
It enhances bilateral ties, promotes religious diplomacy, and offers Ivorian pilgrims top-tier Saudi services before departure.
14. Is the app used in conjunction with this initiative?
While not required, pilgrims may benefit from smart Hajj apps for updates, guidance, and location-based support.
15. Where can I learn more or register?
Visit www.haj.gov.sa for registration info and official guidance on using the Makkah Route services.
Final Message from Harry Stuckler
At KSA.com, we proudly share Saudi Arabia’s journey in revolutionizing the sacred travel experience. From Abidjan to Makkah, the Kingdom’s embrace of pilgrims through compassion and technology is a Vision 2030 triumph.
Bringing Saudi Arabia to the world and the world to Saudi Arabia.
By 2030, KSA.com will be the largest platform sharing the Kingdom’s stories of peace, innovation, and cultural unity.
With gratitude,
Harry Stuckler
Editor & Publisher, KSA.com
