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Saudi Entry Points Enhance Pilgrim Experience with Technology, Efficiency

Pilgrims arrive via King Abdulaziz International Airport (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Pilgrims arrive via King Abdulaziz International Airport (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Entry Points Enhance Pilgrim Experience with Technology, Efficiency

Pilgrims arrive via King Abdulaziz International Airport (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Pilgrims arrive via King Abdulaziz International Airport (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Pilgrims from around the world are arriving in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage, supported by a system of updated procedures and technologies designed to enhance their experience.

This system aims to ease their journey between Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, and ensure a smooth stay at the holy sites.

The main entry points for these pilgrims are King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah.

These airports are crucial entry points for the nearly 1.5 million pilgrims. Last year’s Hajj season saw 1.6 million international pilgrims flocking to holy sites in the Kingdom.

They benefit from high-quality services and fast entry procedures thanks to modern technology.

Saudi Arabia is improving Hajj services with its “Makkah Route” initiative, led by the Ministry of Interior.

Now in its sixth year, this program has expanded from one to seven countries and is expected to grow further. The initiative offers high-quality transport services for pilgrims, making their journey smoother from their home countries to Saudi Arabia.

The Makkah Route simplifies the process by handling steps such as electronic visa issuance and biometric data collection in the pilgrims’ home countries.

The General Directorate of Passports ensures all entry requirements, including health checks, are met at the departure airport.

Luggage is tagged and sorted based on travel and accommodation plans in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims then take buses directly to their accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, with partner agencies delivering their luggage.

Col. Maher Al Masoud, Director of Passports at King Abdulaziz International Airport, told Asharq Al-Awsat that they receive numerous flights daily, including those from the “Makkah Route” initiative.

This year, the initiative supports pilgrims from seven countries and 11 cities. Each year, the program is reviewed to improve its services based on feedback.

He explained that the “Makkah Route” program handles all travel procedures for pilgrims both in their home countries and upon arrival at King Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammad airports.

Pilgrims then go directly to transportation and their accommodations. Starting with one country, the initiative now includes seven and aims to expand further, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey for all pilgrims.

Al Masoud added that the program uses e-systems for issuing Hajj visas and completing arrival procedures in the pilgrims' home countries, including necessary vaccinations.

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Preparations Intensify for UN Two-State Solution Conference Led by Saudi Arabia and France

The Foreign Ministers of France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan at the French Foreign Ministry on Friday ahead of a meeting dedicated to preparing for the New York conference on the two-state solution. (AP)
The Foreign Ministers of France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan at the French Foreign Ministry on Friday ahead of a meeting dedicated to preparing for the New York conference on the two-state solution. (AP)
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Preparations Intensify for UN Two-State Solution Conference Led by Saudi Arabia and France

The Foreign Ministers of France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan at the French Foreign Ministry on Friday ahead of a meeting dedicated to preparing for the New York conference on the two-state solution. (AP)
The Foreign Ministers of France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan at the French Foreign Ministry on Friday ahead of a meeting dedicated to preparing for the New York conference on the two-state solution. (AP)

Preparations are intensifying for a major international conference aimed at advancing the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, set to take place at the United Nations headquarters in New York from June 17 to 20.

The high-level event, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, seeks to reenergize global efforts toward a peaceful resolution and the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

On Friday, simultaneous meetings in Paris and New York underscored the diplomatic push behind the initiative. In Paris, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot hosted his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan — Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Badr Abdelatty, and Ayman Safadi — for a working session devoted to coordinating positions and finalizing preparations.

The meeting signaled France’s determination to partner closely with Arab nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, in spearheading the initiative.

French officials emphasized their confidence in Saudi Arabia’s regional and international influence, noting that Riyadh’s co-chair role was mandated by a UN resolution passed in December 2024.

Meanwhile in New York, UN delegates gathered for a preparatory session to assess the work of eight task forces established previously to craft practical recommendations on implementing the two-state framework. These groups have been focusing on key areas such as security, humanitarian aid, and post-conflict reconstruction.

The conference, according to French officials, will be open to all UN member states, as well as observer entities. Organizers hope for strong high-level participation, with the event expected to open with remarks by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, followed by the President of the General Assembly and the conference co-chairs.

The opening session will include presentations by the heads of the eight task forces, summarizing their findings. A final document, described as a “roadmap” to a political solution, will be released at the end of the conference, focusing on actionable steps rather than abstract declarations.

French diplomats have stressed that the aim is not to revisit past resolutions, but to forge a path toward a practical and enforceable peace framework.

“There is a goal and a conviction,” said one French official. “The goal is to mobilize the international community around the need for a political solution. The conviction is that only a political path, not a military one, can bring lasting peace.”

Efforts are currently centered on four main areas. The first is international recognition of a Palestinian state. France believes that triggering an “irreversible momentum” in this direction is crucial. Over 50 countries have recognized the Palestinian state, but none of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council from the West have yet done so.

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed readiness to take this step, and his foreign minister has echoed that commitment.

A joint statement from France, the UK, and Canada earlier this week hinted at recognition, provoking sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who warned Paris against what he called a “reward for terrorism.”

The second pillar ties recognition of Palestine to normalization with Israel. “We want mutual recognition,” said a French foreign ministry spokesperson, emphasizing that both sides must be recognized for a two-state solution to be credible.

The third area focuses on reforming the Palestinian Authority, with calls for restructuring, democratic revitalization, and a firm stance against extremist factions. Paris views institutional reform as essential to ensuring the PA’s viability amid mounting pressure.

The fourth and most delicate component involves security guarantees for Israel. These include proposals to disarm Hamas, remove it from governing Gaza, and develop a regional security framework involving Israel.

Despite growing momentum, significant hurdles remain. Chief among them are the positions of the United States and Israel. Washington has yet to comment on the upcoming conference, and is widely viewed as hesitant to support unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Sources in Paris said Netanyahu has privately warned of “radical” reprisals if France proceeds with recognition, viewing such moves as undermining Israeli security and rewarding Hamas.