logo
On-Road Mobile Stations Support Hajj Pilgrims During Bus Breakdowns

On-Road Mobile Stations Support Hajj Pilgrims During Bus Breakdowns

Web Release04-06-2025
Saudi Arabia's Roads General Authority has introduced mobile service pods along the Hijrah Expressway that connects Makkah and Madinah. These stations are intended to assist pilgrims whose buses experience mechanical issues en route.
For many pilgrims, the journey between Mecca and Madinah is spiritual and physically demanding. Unexpected bus breakdowns can add to the challenges, leaving pilgrims stranded under the scorching sun.
Inaugurated by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser, these mobile units are strategically located along the Hijrah Expressway to support distressed pilgrims. In addition to providing physical assistance, they create a feeling of safety and compassion, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to the well-being of each pilgrim.
Each mobile unit can host 40 pilgrims and features air conditioning, seating, restrooms, and facilities for serving cold drinks and meals. Functioning 24/7 during the Hajj season, these stations are designed to offer prompt relief and comfort to pilgrims in need. This initiative is part of a larger effort by Saudi authorities to guarantee the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

KSA residents embrace short Eid Al Adha getaways abroad while foreign pilgrims drive spend in Kingdom: Visa Data
KSA residents embrace short Eid Al Adha getaways abroad while foreign pilgrims drive spend in Kingdom: Visa Data

Tourism Breaking News

time4 hours ago

  • Tourism Breaking News

KSA residents embrace short Eid Al Adha getaways abroad while foreign pilgrims drive spend in Kingdom: Visa Data

Post Views: 30 According to Visa's Travel Pulse Eid Al Adha Edition, international travel by KSA residents rose by 25% compared to the same period in 2024. This growth was driven by a strong preference for shorter trips, with 69% of travelers from KSA opting for brief weekend getaways. They also made 21% more purchases abroad and spent 13% more overall this Eid, reflecting a preference to maximize the holidays with quick trips abroad. Travelers from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) took full advantage of this year's extended Eid Al Adha break, turning the six-day (June 5-10) holiday into an opportunity for cultural exploration, both at home and abroad. While many residents jetted off for short international getaways, the Kingdom also welcomed millions of foreign pilgrims during the Hajj season, driving a steady increase in travel to Saudi Arabia and spending. This Eid, international getaways became an opportunity for many KSA travelers to indulge in retail experiences. Shopping led the way across all major destinations, influencing not just how people spent, but also where they chose to go. • UAE led as the top international destination, welcoming 14% of KSA travelers and accounting for 23% of total international spend. With an average spend of $635 per card, fashion took center stage — seven of the top ten merchants were in the shopping and apparel category. Among the top brands were Dubai Duty Free Stores, Hermes, and Cartier, reflecting both a preference for convenient airport shopping and a strong appetite for luxury. Dining and entertainment were also high on the agenda. • Nine percent (9%) of travelers went to Turkey, making it the second most popular destination. It captured 15% of overall holiday spend with each visitor spending an average of $653 per card. • While UK attracted a smaller share of travelers from Saudi Arabia (6%) and overall spend (12%), it captured the highest spend per card at $839. This figure reflects the destination's premium retail appeal, with shopping leading how KSA visitors chose to spend. The Hajj season continued to play a meaningful role in Saudi Arabia's economic landscape. Compared to the same period last year, the Kingdom saw a 7% increase in the number of foreign pilgrims, who made 16% more purchases during their stay. While overall spending grew by 4% key shopping categories remained unchanged, including food, medicine, and other everyday needs, with smaller portions of spend going toward clothing and travel-related services. 'Whether it's a short break or a meaningful pilgrimage, having a simple and secure way to pay matters at every step of the journey.' said Ali Bailoun, Regional General Manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman at Visa. 'We are proud to support that through our unique data insights and seamless, reliable payment solutions, and to contribute to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 by helping create more connected, inclusive and seamless payment experiences across borders.'

UAE President praises efforts of Pilgrims' Affairs Office in AD meeting
UAE President praises efforts of Pilgrims' Affairs Office in AD meeting

Sharjah 24

time16 hours ago

  • Sharjah 24

UAE President praises efforts of Pilgrims' Affairs Office in AD meeting

The meeting took place at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi. His Highness praised the Office's efforts in delivering comprehensive support to UAE pilgrims, from their arrival at the holy sites to their safe return home. Briefed on initiatives and programmes During the meeting, His Highness was briefed on the initiatives and programmes implemented by the Office to serve pilgrims and ensure their wellbeing while in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He was also updated on the Office's plans to enhance its services and further develop initiatives to better organise and manage the affairs of UAE pilgrims in the coming years. Gratitude His Excellency Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, and Head of the UAE Pilgrims' Affairs Office, thanked His Highness for the continuous support and close attention provided throughout the Hajj season. He commended His Highness' directives to facilitate the Office's work and strengthen its ability to serve pilgrims effectively. Dr Al Darei also highlighted the strong collaboration and coordination among national institutions, which played a key role in enhancing the overall experience and services provided to UAE pilgrims. Attendees The meeting was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region; His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; along a number of sheikhs, officials, guests and citizens.

President Sheikh Mohamed welcomes delegation from UAE Pilgrims' Affairs Office
President Sheikh Mohamed welcomes delegation from UAE Pilgrims' Affairs Office

The National

time19 hours ago

  • The National

President Sheikh Mohamed welcomes delegation from UAE Pilgrims' Affairs Office

President Sheikh Mohamed has received a delegation from the UAE Pilgrims' Affairs Office and other committees responsible for supporting Emirati who attended this year's Hajj. Sheikh Mohamed praised the office's work in providing support to UAE pilgrims, from their arrival at the holy sites to their safe return home, reported state news agency Wam. During the meeting, held at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed was briefed on the initiatives and programmes implemented by the office in serving pilgrims and ensuring their well-being while in Saudi Arabia. He was also updated on the office's plans to further develop initiatives 'to better organise and manage the affairs of UAE pilgrims in the coming years'.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store