SDAIA President Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi Visits Makkah Route Initiative And Pilgrims’ Halls At King Abdulaziz Airport
Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, the President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), recently visited the "Makkah Route Initiative" and the pilgrims’ terminals at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. His visit aimed to assess the technical procedures and preparations provided by SDAIA to ease the journey of pilgrims during the Hajj season 1446 AH.
During his visit, Dr. Al-Ghamdi also inspected the entry procedures for pilgrims arriving from Solo Airport in Indonesia, a terminal supported technologically by SDAIA under the Makkah Route Initiative. This initiative showcases operational and technical integration that has expedited entry requirements, aligning with the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program, which is a crucial component of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Ministry of Interior is leading this initiative for its seventh consecutive year. It collaborates with several ministries including Foreign Affairs, Health, Hajj and Umrah, and Media. Other partners include the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), SDAIA, General Authority of Awqaf, Pilgrim Experience Program, and General Directorate of Passports.
Dr. Al-Ghamdi urged SDAIA teams to maintain their dedication throughout the Hajj season. He highlighted their national responsibility and honour in serving pilgrims. Emphasizing teamwork, he encouraged them to provide top-quality services that align with leadership's vision of using modern technologies to enhance pilgrimage experiences.
The Makkah Route Initiative reflects a commitment to excellence through its integration of technology and operations. This integration has significantly accelerated entry processes for pilgrims. By supporting this initiative technologically, SDAIA plays a vital role in achieving the goals set out in Saudi Vision 2030.
Dr. Al-Ghamdi's visit underscores SDAIA's dedication to improving pilgrim services through advanced technological solutions. The focus remains on ensuring a seamless experience for pilgrims by leveraging modern technologies effectively.
This collaborative effort among various government bodies aims to streamline processes and enhance service quality for pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia during Hajj. The initiative continues to evolve with each passing year, reflecting ongoing improvements in service delivery.
With inputs from SPA