RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route Initiative is transforming the Hajj journey for thousands of pilgrims this year, with stories emerging from across Africa that highlight the program’s humanitarian reach as Muslims worldwide prepare for the annual pilgrimage beginning on May 25.
Among the most poignant scenes reported by the Saudi Press Agency was that of a Moroccan pilgrim more than 100 years old is seen departing from Rabat-Salé International Airport, leaning on a walking stick as he quietly recited the talbiyah before boarding his flight to Saudi Arabia.
Surrounded by Saudi staff providing special assistance at every stage of the process, the centenarian completed passport procedures with ease, fulfilling what appeared to be a lifelong dream of performing Hajj after more than a century of waiting.
The Makkah Route Initiative, launched in 2017 under Saudi Vision 2030, allows pilgrims to complete immigration, customs and health procedures in their home countries before departure, enabling them to arrive in the Kingdom as though on a domestic flight.
At Dakar’s Blaise Diagne International Airport, Senegalese pilgrims described an atmosphere of joy and relief as the initiative made its debut in the West African nation this year.
