The Pilgrims’ City at Abu Ajram in Saudi Arabia has begun receiving Iraqi Umrah pilgrims who entered the Kingdom through the northern Jadidat Arar border crossing.
The first group of pilgrims arrived safely after going through easy and accessible procedures as Saudi Arabia continues to work to provide high-quality services to enrich the religious and cultural experience of visiting pilgrims.
Facilitating the entry of pilgrims aligns with the goals in Saudi Arabia’s national transformation plan, Kingdom Vision 2030.
It is worth noting that this is the first group of Umrah pilgrims to enter through the Jadidat Arar border crossing since 1990. Previously, the said border crossing only opened for specific days during the Hajj pilgrimage season.
Jadidat Arar border crossing is one of the most important fruits of labor of the Iraqi-Saudi Coordination Council, which was established in 2017, Iraqi Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Abdul-Sattar Al-Janabi told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Al-Janabi described the border crossing connecting the Kingdom to Iraq as a vital route. The diplomat also noted that, over the coming years, the two countries aspire to develop commercial trade passing through Jadidat Arar.
Al-Janabi pointed out that the group of pilgrims entering the Kingdom through Jadidat Arar represents an important step towards starting the land port’s activity and reaching its maximum potential.
The Iraqi ambassador suggested that other ports between the two countries might be opened or that residents and travelers would be allowed to use Jadidat Arar border crossing.
Al-Janabi expressed his thanks and appreciation to Saudi leadership and all those who helped in reopening the border crossing for pilgrims.
Opening the port for Iraqi pilgrims contributes to saving Iraqi citizens financial costs and making it easier to visit sacred sites in Saudi Arabia.
Moreover, opening the land border reduces traveling time for Iraqi pilgrims because the port is located about 90 kilometers from the Iraqi city of Nukhaib.
