JEDDAH – Saudi Arabia has entered the final phase of the Jeddah-Makkah Direct Road Highway, a landmark infrastructure project that promises to revolutionize pilgrimage travel.
With reduced travel times and improved safety, this eight-lane highway is set to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience.
In a landmark initiative, Saudi Arabia is set to transform the travel experience for pilgrims and travelers alike. It has officially begun the final phase of highway construction that will connect Jeddah Airport to Masjid al-Haram. The project aims to improve Saudi infrastructure and provide pilgrims with an easier pilgrimage experience.
The Jeddah-Makkah Direct Road has been designed to speed up the journey for Umrah pilgrims arriving at Jeddah International Airport, reducing the travel time to just 35 minutes. This groundbreaking development of the Jeddah-Makkah route also significantly enhances the safety of the countless pilgrims who embark on this holy pilgrimage every year.
What’s truly remarkable is that the project is already 70% complete, with an impressive eight-lane highway with four lanes in each direction.
Saudi Vision 2030 aims to significantly increase the number of Umrah pilgrims, and this infrastructure project fits seamlessly into that goal. To achieve this, Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in the development of the Haram, expanded the licensing of Umrah service providers, increased the allocation of Umrah visas, and streamlined regulations to allow tourists and visitors to participate in Umrah rituals. In addition, Saudi citizens can now extend invitations to their international friends to join them on this deeply spiritual journey.
The Jeddah-Makkah Direct Road promises not only to facilitate pilgrim travel, but also to improve overall road and transportation services, thereby reducing average travel times. With vehicles capable of reaching speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour on this modern highway, the road is expected to be well equipped to accommodate an estimated three million Umrah pilgrims annually. This development promises to significantly enhance the overall pilgrimage experience.
As the final phase of construction begins, travelers and pilgrims alike can look forward to a faster and more convenient journey from Jeddah to Makkah. This much-anticipated infrastructure project is expected to transform the pilgrimage experience and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its ambitious Vision 2030 goals.
