Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has started deploying advanced technology at major airports in order to facilitate easy and fast travel for the Umrah pilgrims, especially during the busy Ramzan season.
The use of electronic gate (E-gate) technology has been introduced by the directorate in King Abdulaziz International airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz international airport in Madinah.
The new system enables pilgrims to undertake the entry and exit procedure by themselves using biometric verification techniques.
Using biometric checks, travellers can travel through immigration in seconds without any manual processing being required.
Officials say the technology aims to speed up the movement of passengers, as well as reduce congestion.
The number of pilgrims visiting the Kingdom goes up significantly during Ramzan and this creates heavy traffic at the airports.
Authorities believe that the E-gate system can help control the rush in a more efficient way as well as improve the entire travel experience.
The initiative is part of wider plans from the Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior for the modernisation of operations at key entry points to the country.
Officials say the move means they will increase the quality of services provided to pilgrims and provide more smooth procedure during peak period of travel.
In other news Pakistan’s Hajj operation for 2026 will officially start from April 18 and the first flight will depart for the Saudi Arabia on the same day.
According to the sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs, there would be four flights on the first day from Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot and Multan.
All the pilgrims will first travel to Madinah and then travel to Makkah after completing their stay.
Under the government Hajj scheme, about 468 flights will carry about 119,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year.
Officials said such arrangements including flight schedules, accommodation, transport and food have been coordinated with Saudi authorities, while pilgrims will soon get details about their flights, training sessions and travel procedures.
Also read: Hajj 2026 operation begin: when will first flight depart?
