As part of the intensive preparations to receive pilgrims during the Umrah season in the holy month of Ramadan, the Acting Director General of Passports, Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, conducted a field inspection tour of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The visit aimed to assess the workflow and the readiness of the passport control halls to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims, and to ensure the provision of swift and efficient services befitting the Kingdom's role in serving the Two Holy Mosques.
General context and importance of the Umrah season
The Umrah season during Ramadan is the peak of religious seasons in Saudi Arabia, with millions of Muslims from around the world flocking to perform the rituals. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah serves as the main air gateway for these pilgrims, placing a significant responsibility on the agencies operating there, particularly the General Directorate of Passports, to facilitate their entry and exit procedures smoothly and safely. These inspection tours are part of a comprehensive operational plan aimed at coordinating between all sectors to ensure a seamless spiritual experience for the pilgrims from the moment they arrive.
Details of the inspection tour
Major General Al-Murabba's tour included the arrival and departure halls, as well as the dedicated Hajj and Umrah terminals, where he reviewed the procedures for processing pilgrims and assessed the operational readiness of the technical and human resources systems. He received a detailed briefing on the performance evaluation and measurement unit, which monitors and tracks performance levels in real time, contributing to the continuous improvement of services. During his tour, the Director General of Passports emphasized the importance of utilizing all available technical and human resources and working as a unified team to intensify efforts during this crucial season.
Importance and expected impact
The importance of these preparations extends beyond local operational aspects, reflecting positively on the Kingdom's international image. Successfully managing the influx of millions of Umrah pilgrims reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a leading nation in serving Islam and Muslims, and underscores its exceptional capacity to manage massive crowds. Furthermore, streamlining procedures through cutting-edge technologies, such as e-gates and biometric verification, aligns with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage experience and elevate the quality of services provided to pilgrims. Providing a seamless arrival and departure experience leaves a positive impression on the guests of God and reflects the Kingdom's distinguished image both regionally and internationally.
