Saudi Gazette report

MADINAH — Several pilgrims, arriving here recently from Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Malaysia to perform Haj this year, have claimed that the Makkah Road Initiative has saved much of their time and effort to complete visa, travel and customs procedures in their home countries.

They lauded the quality of services provided at several airports including Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur, Sukarno Hata in Jakarta, and Shah Jalal in Dhaka, ultimately cutting down time for all procedures to just minutes.

In statements to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the pilgrims expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, for their care for the Two Holy Mosques and the services being provided to pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors.

Muhammad Sarula, a pilgrim from Malaysia, said: “We were welcomed warmly by the Saudi officials. This reflects the love and respect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has for all Muslims. The Makkah Route Initiative launched by the Kingdom four years ago and is being implemented gradually, has facilitated departure procedures from our country.”

He added that this initiative clearly indicates the care, concern and keenness of the leadership of the Kingdom for the Two Holy Mosques, the pilgrims and everyone who sets foot on this blessed land.

“We are thankful to the Kingdom’s rulers, who have spared no effort to serve the Two Holy Mosques and the Guests of Allah,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rahizan Abdulrahman from Pakistan prayed to Almighty Allah for long life of King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad for the noble services they are rendering for Islam and Muslims.

He said: “These services include facilitating the journey to perform Haj rites via the Makkah Route Initiative that has greatly facilitated travel procedures from the airport in a well-organized and smooth way. On arrival in the Kingdom, there was no need to pass through other procedures in the Kingdom, until we arrived at the residences allocated for pilgrims.”

Aziz Dan from Bangladesh expressed happiness over the ease and comfort they experienced on arrival at Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah due to expedited entry procedures within the Makkah Route Initiative.

He added: “We were warmly welcomed with gifts, roses and Zamzam water. We found all care from the Saudi officials at the airport. They contributed to organizing our entry into the arrival terminal, and carrying our luggage and hand baggage to the buses for transporting us to our accommodations within a very short time.”

Nawaz Ali from Pakistan said: “The Kingdom surprises the world by achieving success after success during the Haj season. The Makkah Route Initiative is one of the quality initiatives that deserves praise due to the unique services it is providing in completing travel procedures for pilgrims from their respective countries to the Kingdom in a short time.”

He added: “Serious work with the intention of pleasing Almighty Allah in serving the Guests of Allah and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque as well as the long experience can achieve the impossible. Thanks to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for their contribution to and the services they are providing to the pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors.”

Nadheemudddin expressed thanks to the security men, employees and officials at Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah for their politeness, kindness and keenness to provide all services needed by the Guests of Allah. He prayed to Allah Almighty to make the blessings of security and stability everlasting for the Kingdom’s government due to the services and facilities they are providing to the pilgrims.”