Saudi airports completed preparations to receive pilgrims for the Hajj season of 1447 AH (2026 AC) through an integrated plan to facilitate their journey from arrival until departure.
The preparations include six main international airports designated by MATARAT Holding: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Taif International Airport, and Prince Abdulmohsin bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu.
The plan includes 13 dedicated terminals for Hajj pilgrims and more than 22,000 male and female employees to ensure efficient procedures and smooth movement within airports, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
It also includes specialized services to ease the journey, such as the “Hajj Without Luggage” service, which allows luggage check-in from accommodation, and pre-shipment of Zamzam water bottles to reduce travel burdens.
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca which every Muslim must make at least once in their lifetime, if they are able. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and a religious duty central to Muslim belief. Hajj occurs in the month of Dhu al-Hijja, the last month of the Islamic calendar.
In another development, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz approved the strategic plan for the Crime Research Center, prepared with the participation of experts in criminal research and analysis and supported by the Ministry’s International Partnerships Program.
The plan focuses on developing research and analytical work through building a comprehensive crime database, qualifying specialized personnel in criminology, using artificial intelligence to analyze data and predict crime, and strengthening partnerships with national and international universities and research centers.
It provides a framework to support specialized studies and produce scientific knowledge, contributing to equipping security decision-makers with evidence-based information and enhancing preventive efforts.
The plan aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, supporting initiatives aimed at improving quality of life through strengthened crime prevention. (SPA; Photo: First Pilgrims from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan arrived Sunday at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah © SPA)
