JEDDAH: On Monday Saudi Airlines began the second phase of its Hajj plan to transfer pilgrims from various countries at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah while continuing operations at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.
The first Saudi Airlines pilgrimage flight, SV5111, arrived on Monday 30 July at King Abdulaziz Airport from the city of Surabaya in Indonesia.
The first flight, with 406 pilgrims on board, was received at the Hajj and Umrah Hall by officials from Saudi Airlines, Ministry of Interior, Civil Aviation Authority, King Abdulaziz Airport and government agencies operating at the airport.
Pilgrims were able to pass through the pilgrimage hall speedily because all passports, customs and other procedures had been completed at the departure station in Indonesia as part of the initiative of the Ministry of the Interior (Road to Makkah), which aims to improve the services for pilgrims. Pilgrims from Malaysia and Indonesia are benefiting from the initiative this year.
The Road to Makkah initiative, launched by the Ministry of the Interior, includes obtaining visas for the Kingdom, facilitating customs and passports procedures, providing health requirements, organizing luggage and providing accommodation for pilgrims, so they can be on their way for Makkah or Medina without having to go through arrival procedures.
Saudi Airlines has boosted facilities in the Hajj and Umrah Hall at King Abdulaziz Airport.
More than 122,000 pilgrims to Madinah traveled on board 461 Saudia flights up until July 29 with 42,000 pilgrims to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
Saudia launches second phase of plan to ease Hajj travel
Saudia launches second phase of plan to ease Hajj travel
- The first flight, with 406 pilgrims on board, was received at the Hajj and Umrah Hall by officials from Saudi Airlines
- The Road to Makkah initiative, launched by the Ministry of the Interior, includes obtaining visas for the Kingdom
Saudi Scouts Association unveils environmental protection program
- Public service and education program to encourage responsible behavior among young people, says SASA leader
RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Scouts Association has launched a new environmental protection program at King Salman Wildlife Park in Banban, north of Riyadh, marking a renewed commitment to conservation and youth engagement in sustainability efforts.
The SASA initiative, unveiled in the presence of role players from various scouting sectors, brought together partners from government agencies and private-sector organizations, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The program reflects growing collaboration between civic groups and national institutions to advance environmental protection goals across the Kingdom.
Abdulrahman Al-Mudaris, the SASA’s secretary-general, said the initiative underscores the scouts’ active role in supporting national strategies to preserve natural resources and promote sustainable development.
He said environmental scouting was a public service activity and educational approach designed to instill environmental awareness and encourage responsible behavior among young people.
The launch event featured the sowing of seeds and planting of seedlings throughout the park to support vegetation growth and enhance biodiversity, the SPA reported.
Founded in 1961, the SASA is a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and operates under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education.
Over the decades, Saudi scouts have played a visible role in community service, disaster response, and public event organization, including supporting pilgrim services during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
