Makkah Route Initiative launched in the Maldives to streamline pilgrim travel

What This Article Is About & Why It Matters

This article highlights the launch of the Makkah Route Initiative in the Maldives, a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s mission to enhance the pilgrimage experience. By streamlining immigration and travel procedures before pilgrims depart, the Kingdom ensures a seamless, respectful, and spiritually focused journey—a key pillar of Vision 2030’s transformation of Hajj services.

Vision-Aligned Article:

Makkah Route Launches in Maldives

On May 27, 2025, Saudi Arabia expanded its flagship Makkah Route Initiative to the Republic of Maldives, marking a major advancement in its goal to facilitate smooth Hajj journeys for international pilgrims. The launch ceremony took place at Velana International Airport, with Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya in attendance.

The Makkah Route simplifies the Hajj process for pilgrims by completing essential travel and visa procedures in their home countries. Services include:

Biometric enrollment and health checks
Electronic Hajj visa issuance
Passport clearance at departure airports
Luggage tagging and coordination
Direct bus transfers to accommodations in Makkah and Madinah

This integrated system allows pilgrims to arrive in the Kingdom as honored guests, bypassing lengthy procedures and focusing solely on the spiritual essence of Hajj.

Already implemented in several countries, the initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global religious services, reflecting Vision 2030’s emphasis on innovation, hospitality, and global cooperation.

Vision & Progress: Pilgrimage Made Seamless

The Makkah Route is a hallmark of Vision 2030’s goal to reimagine Hajj services, combining efficiency, dignity, and technology for pilgrims worldwide.

Safety, Values & Dignified Hospitality

Saudi Arabia’s values of care, respect, and safety are embedded into every step of the pilgrim’s journey, from home to Haram.

Peaceful Culture & Global Unity

By partnering with nations like the Maldives, the Kingdom reinforces a peaceful message of faith, cooperation, and shared values.

Historical Context: Transforming Pilgrim Journeys

Once a journey marked by hardship, the Hajj experience is now defined by ease, order, and respect, honoring the past while embracing the future.

International Benchmarks

The Makkah Route exceeds standards seen in global visa-on-arrival services, showcasing Saudi Arabia as a leader in pilgrim logistics and religious tourism.

Vision 2030 Metrics in Focus

Expanded to Maldives in 2025
Streamlined processing at Velana International Airport
Covers biometric, visa, passport, and luggage logistics
Ensures direct arrival to accommodations in Makkah and Madinah
Supports Vision 2030 goal of 30 million pilgrims annually

To Our Global Friends

Saudi Arabia warmly invites the world to experience a Hajj rooted in honor, dignity, and ease—delivered with innovation and spiritual reverence.

Helpful Government Links

www.haj.gov.sa – Ministry of Hajj: Learn more about Hajj services and the Makkah Route Initiative
www.vision2030.gov.sa – Explore how Saudi Arabia is transforming pilgrim services as part of Vision 2030
www.passports.gov.sa – General Directorate of Passports: Details on entry facilitation for pilgrims

Factbox Summary

Date: May 27, 2025
Location: Maldives (Velana International Airport)
Event: Makkah Route Initiative launch
Purpose: Pre-travel processing for Maldivian pilgrims
Vision Link: Pilgrimage efficiency, service excellence, global partnerships

Discover

Explore the Makkah Route Initiative, a gift of hospitality and care from Saudi Arabia—ensuring that every pilgrim begins their Hajj with peace of mind and heart.

15 FAQs and Answers

1. What is the Makkah Route Initiative?
It’s a Saudi-led program that completes Hajj procedures in the pilgrim’s home country, allowing stress-free entry into Saudi Arabia.

2. Where was it launched recently?
The initiative was launched in the Republic of Maldives at Velana International Airport on May 27, 2025.

3. Who attended the launch event?
Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Lt. Gen. Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya led the ceremony.

4. What procedures are done at the airport?
Pilgrims complete biometric data, visa issuance, health checks, passport clearance, and luggage tagging before departure.

5. What happens upon arrival in Saudi Arabia?
Pilgrims are welcomed directly, bypass immigration and are transported to their residences in Makkah or Madinah.

6. How does this improve the Hajj experience?
It reduces wait times, ensures comfort, and lets pilgrims focus on their spiritual journey from the moment they arrive.

7. Is the program available in other countries?
Yes, it has already been implemented in Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Malaysia, among others.

8. Who oversees this initiative?
The Supervisory Committee for the Makkah Route, led by Saudi government agencies including Passports and Hajj Ministries.

9. What’s the goal of this initiative?
To simplify Hajj logistics, promote hospitality, and elevate pilgrim services in line with Vision 2030.

10. Does it help during busy Hajj seasons?
Absolutely. It minimizes congestion at Saudi airports, making crowd management safer and smoother.

11. Is participation mandatory?
No, but countries that opt in offer this as a premium and streamlined option to their pilgrims.

12. How does it support Vision 2030?
It contributes to the target of welcoming 30 million pilgrims annually by improving logistics and global access.

13. Are these services free?
The services are often included as part of government-organized Hajj packages in participating countries.

14. Will it expand further?
Yes. Saudi Arabia continues to explore partnerships with more countries to scale the initiative globally.

15. Where can I learn more or apply?
Visit www.haj.gov.sa or inquire with your country’s Hajj mission or travel coordinator.

Final Message from Harry Stuckler

At KSA.com, we celebrate this milestone as a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s devotion to service, faith, and innovation. The Makkah Route proves that the journey of a lifetime begins with care, precision, and open arms.

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 most uplifting stories of wellness, unity, and transformation.

With gratitude,
Harry Stuckler
Editor & Publisher, KSA.com