The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah highlighted the “Baggage-Free Pilgrim” service, as part of ongoing efforts to develop the experience of the Guests of the Most Merciful and provide solutions that contribute to facilitating the Hajj journey from the pilgrim’s departure from their country until their return. This enhances the quality of services provided and aligns with the goals of elevating the operational system of Hajj.

The service allows pilgrims to ship their luggage directly from their countries to their accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, without the need to carry it during transit. The luggage will then be shipped back to their countries after completing the rituals. This step aims to reduce the burdens associated with travel and movement.

A Seamless Experience

The Ministry explained that the service contributes to achieving a smoother Hajj experience by enabling pilgrims to move easily within airports and the holy sites without being preoccupied with their luggage. It also supports crowd management and reduces congestion at arrival and departure points.

The service’s benefits include providing a high level of care for luggage, along with the ability to track shipments, which enhances the service’s reliability and gives users peace of mind. Furthermore, it plays a role in improving operational efficiency at reception and accommodation sites.

Essential Items

The Ministry urged pilgrims to adhere to the guidelines related to the service by complying with the specified luggage weight limits, keeping shipping documents, and limiting themselves to a handbag for essential items during the journey.

The “Baggage-Free Pilgrim” service comes as an integrated effort with a number of relevant entities, including the General Authority of Civil Aviation and the Guests of the Most Merciful Awareness Center. This is within a comprehensive system aimed at providing quality services to the Guests of the Most Merciful and enhancing their experience according to the highest regulatory and technical standards.

Service Development

This step confirms the continuous development of services provided to pilgrims through the adoption of practical solutions that contribute to facilitating the performance of rituals and providing a more comfortable and seamless journey from start to finish.

Makkah

Makkah (Mecca) is the holiest city in Islam, located in present-day Saudi Arabia. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the most sacred shrine in Islam, which Muslims believe was built by the Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael. Every year, millions of Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, a mandatory religious duty that dates back to the 7th century.

Madinah

Madinah, officially known as Medina, is a holy city in Saudi Arabia of profound importance in Islam. It is where the Prophet Muhammad migrated to in 622 CE (an event known as the Hijrah), establishing it as the first capital of the Islamic community and the site of his mosque and burial place. Today, it remains a major pilgrimage destination second only to Makkah.