Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed an agreement to implement the Road to Makkah project, which simplifies immigration procedures for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from the South Asian country.
Saudi Deputy Minister of Interior Dr Nasser Al Dawood and Pakistani Minister of Interior Rana Sanaullah signed the agreements in Islamabad on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Under the agreement, Hajj and Umrah pilgrims will be provided with immigration facilities at the places where they embark from Pakistan to perform the pilgrimage.
In the first phase, the service will be available at Islamabad International Airport, where around 26,000 pilgrims will be able to use it.
The Saudi authorities said that the service would later be extended to Karachi and Lahore airports.
Hajj flights from Pakistan will begin on Sunday, with the final flight departing for Saudi Arabia on June 21.
What is the Makkah Route initiative?
The Makkah Route initiative was launched in several countries in 2018 when the Saudi authorities began to put measures in place to ease travel procedures for pilgrims from abroad.
The service was first introduced in Malaysia and Indonesia, countries whose citizens make up a large proportion of Hajj pilgrims every year.
What does the service offer?
The services includes issuing visas, customs and passport procedures, dealing with health requirements, sorting luggage and housing arrangements in Saudi Arabia. All services are handled from the Hajj pilgrims’ point of departure in their home country or country of residence.
The pre-departure services are designed to make pilgrims' arrival in the kingdom smoother and allow them to go directly to their accommodation in Makkah and Madinah without having to deal with time-consuming procedures.
Luggage is taken directly to the pilgrims’ accommodation.
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March 12-16: Second Test, Karachi
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March 31: Second ODI, Rawalpindi
April 2: Third ODI, Rawalpindi
April 5: T20I, Rawalpindi
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
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- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
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- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
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