Saudi Arabia Boosts Road Infrastructure For Hajj Pilgrims' Safe Journey

Riyadh, SPA – Saudi Arabia has significantly enhanced its transport infrastructure to facilitate the journey of pilgrims to Makkah. The Kingdom has developed new ports and airports, provided trains, and improved roads to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims. These efforts reflect the Kingdom's commitment to providing a seamless travel experience for visitors.

The General Authority for Roads has focused on improving the road network connecting Saudi Arabia to its eight neighbouring countries. Ten main roads have been designated for pilgrims from these countries, featuring modern and advanced designs to ensure safety and efficiency.

In the east, pilgrims from Kuwait can use two routes: "Khafji - Nairyah - Riyadh - Makkah," spanning 1,473 kilometres, and "Riggae - Hafr Al-Batin - Majmaah - Makkah," which is 1,277 kilometres long. Pilgrims from the United Arab Emirates can travel via "Batha - Salwa - Hofuf - Riyadh - Taif – Makkah," covering 1,514 kilometres.

Pilgrims from Qatar can use the "Salwa - Hofuf - Riyadh - Taif – Makkah" route, which is 1,385 kilometres long. Those from Bahrain can take the King Fahd Causeway to Khobar, then proceed to Riyadh and Makkah through Taif, totalling 1,320 kilometres.

From Jordan, two routes are available: "Halat Ammar - Tabuk - Al-Madinah - Makkah," spanning 1,219 kilometres, and "Haditha - Qurayyat - Sakakah - Al-Madinah – Makkah," with a length of 1,545 kilometres. Iraqi pilgrims can travel via "Jdeidet Arar - Arar - Sakakah - Al-Madinah – Makkah," covering 1,579 kilometres.

Southern Routes

Yemeni pilgrims can take the "Al-Wadiah - Najran - Abha – Makkah" route, which is 1,372 kilometres long. Pilgrims from Oman can use the Empty Quarter road "Umm al Zamul - Al-Batha - Salwa - Hofuf – Makkah," spanning 2,150 kilometres.

Preparations for Hajj Season

The General Authority for Roads began preparations early for this year's Hajj season by surveying the road network leading to the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah. The authority ensured that all safety and quality standards were met by scraping and re-asphalting several sites, trimming road shoulders, and removing sand dunes.

Additional efforts included cleaning valley streams to ensure the safety of concrete and metal barriers and maintaining warning signs. These measures have contributed to a high level of safety and quality in the road network.

The Kingdom's comprehensive approach to enhancing its transport infrastructure underscores its dedication to ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for all pilgrims.

With inputs from SPA