JEDDAH: The director of the Passports Department in Madinah, Dr. Khaled Al-Huaish, revealed that 43,063 pilgrims have been received and a total of 100,000 Indonesian pilgrims are expected on the "Makkah Route", a fast-track initiative for Malaysian and Indonesian pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia without the long wait.
The initiative began with processing the entry visas for Saudi Arabia from a pilgrim’s own country, at the airport where the first flight takes off, in collaboration with various related Saudi government agencies to facilitate pilgrimage arrangements and requirements.
The pilgrims who arrive under the Makkah Route Initiative have their fingerprints taken and passports stamped at their country of departure and their entry into Saudi Arabia will be facilitated like a domestic flight while their baggage will be sent to their places of residence through the Ministry of Hajj.
100,000 to benefit from Makkah Route Initiative
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100,000 to benefit from Makkah Route Initiative
- The hajj, expected to draw more than two million pilgrims to Mecca this year, represents a key rite of passage for Muslims
National Museum launches events to celebrate Saudi Founding Day and Ramadan
RIYADH: The National Museum at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh has launched a series of events to celebrate the Founding Day on Feb. 22 and mark the holy month of Ramadan that began on Wednesday.
The program will run daily, starting from Feb. 19 and will continue to March 6. The program will start everyday at 10:00 p.m. and continue until 1:00 a.m., the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Combining the richness of heritage with interactive experiences, the program features exhibits inspired by the past, engaging storytelling, culinary experiences and activities tailored for different age groups.
The programs are scheduled around two main themes: Founding Day events from Feb. 19 to 22, focusing on reviving the legacy of the first Saudi state and highlighting the values that have shaped the Kingdom’s identity over the past three centuries; and Ramadan events from Feb. 19 to March 6, recreating the spirit of the holy month through cultural programs that foster social interaction and celebrate authentic heritage.
The series of events underscores the National Museum’s commitment to celebrating cultural heritage while fostering national pride and community values.
Saudi Founding Day is a national anniversary that commemorates the establishment of the First Saudi State in 1727 by Imam Mohammed bin Saud.
King Salman designated this day as an official annual holiday starting in 2022, to fall on Feb. 22 each year.
As Feb. 22 approaches, the Kingdom prepares to turn its streets into vibrant arenas marking one of the most important milestones in its history.
