With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, the passport control office at the Arar border crossing in the Northern Borders region began receiving the first groups of pilgrims arriving via the land border from the sisterly Republic of Iraq to perform Umrah. The General Directorate of Passports announced the completion of all preparations to ensure the smooth and easy entry procedures for pilgrims, in accordance with the directives of the wise leadership to provide the highest quality services to visitors of the Two Holy Mosques.
Historical background and strategic importance of the port
The Arar border crossing is one of the most important land crossings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, serving as a major gateway for those arriving from Iraq. Historically, the crossing has been a vital artery for Iraqi pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah, and in recent years it has undergone comprehensive development and modernization as part of the Kingdom's efforts to facilitate the journey of pilgrims. These efforts are in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience and increase capacity to accommodate larger numbers of visitors, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as the heart of the Islamic world.
Full readiness to serve the guests of God
The General Directorate of Passports confirmed its full readiness at all international ports of entry, including the Arar border crossing, by staffing passport control areas with qualified and trained personnel to efficiently serve pilgrims. The areas have also been equipped with the latest technology to expedite document verification and processing, ensuring a smooth and comfortable entry experience for pilgrims from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom.
Local and regional impact
Locally, the influx of pilgrims through the new Arar border crossing contributes to stimulating economic activity in the Northern Borders region by increasing demand for transportation, accommodation, and logistics services. Regionally, facilitating the entry of Iraqi pilgrims strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and religious and social ties between the two sisterly nations and underscores the pivotal role the Kingdom plays in serving the causes of the Muslim Ummah and facilitating the performance of religious rites for millions of Muslims worldwide. The General Directorate of Passports also emphasized the importance of pilgrims adhering to the established regulations and instructions and respecting the validity period of their granted visas to ensure a safe and smooth spiritual journey from arrival to departure.
