240,000 pilgrims have arrived via the Makkah Route Initiative.
More than 860,000 foreign pilgrims have so far arrived in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as the Kingdom scales up extensive logistical, transport, and digital operations ahead of the peak rituals in Makkah, said Tawfiq Al Rabiah.
Al Rabiah said: “As of Wednesday, 820,000 pilgrims entered the Kingdom by air, including 240,000 through the Makkah Route Initiative, while around 35,000 arrived via land crossings and 4,000 by sea.”
The minister said Saudi Arabia has mobilised all available resources under the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensure pilgrims can perform their rituals with ease and comfort.
Tawfiq Al Rabiah said the Kingdom has launched more than 100 initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030 to improve services and enhance the overall pilgrim experience. Authorities have also enabled more than 30 companies to serve overseas pilgrims and expanded direct digital bookings through the Nusuk for travellers from 126 countries.
Saudi authorities said the Nusuk now offers more than 130 digital services and serves over 51 million users worldwide, while the “Hajj Without Luggage” initiative has reduced airport processing times from around two hours to about 15 minutes by allowing pilgrims to ship baggage directly to their residences.
The minister said infrastructure preparations have also been expanded, including 25 development projects in Makkah and the holy sites, additional shaded areas around Mount Arafat, expanded pedestrian pathways, and new accommodation projects in Mina.
Saudi authorities have also intensified inspections and crowd management measures ahead of Hajj, carrying out more than 50,000 inspection tours since mid-Shawwal to ensure compliance with service standards and pilgrimage regulations, Tawfiq Al Rabiah added.
