Inside the 10 routes carrying Hajj pilgrims to Makkah

MAKKAH — With millions of pilgrims arriving annually to perform Hajj, Saudi Arabia’s Roads General Authority (RGA) has developed an extensive road network linking the Kingdom with neighboring countries to facilitate smoother journeys to the Two Holy Mosques.While pilgrims have access to railways, ports, and airports, the Kingdom has also established 10 main overland routes designed to ensure efficient and safe travel from across the Arabian Peninsula.The routes are built in line with international standards and are equipped with integrated safety systems to maintain traffic flow and safeguard pilgrims.From the east, pilgrims from Gulf countries are served by multiple routes. Travelers from Kuwait use two main roads — one stretching 1,473 km via Al-Khafji, Nairyah, Riyadh, and Makkah, and another spanning 1,277 km through Al-Riggae, Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Majma’ah, and Makkah.Pilgrims from the UAE follow a 1,514-km route via Al-Batha, Salwa, Al-Hofuf, Riyadh, Taif, and Makkah, while those from Qatar travel along a 1,385-km route passing through Salwa, Al-Hofuf, Riyadh, Taif, and Makkah.Pilgrims from Bahrain enter via the King Fahd Causeway into Al-Khobar, then continue through Riyadh and Taif to Makkah, covering around 1,320 km.From the north, pilgrims from Jordan use two routes: one beginning at Halat Ammar Port through Tabuk and Madinah to Makkah (1,219 km), and another from Al-Haditha through Al-Qurayyat, Sakaka, and Madinah (1,545 km).Pilgrims from Iraq travel a 1,579-km route from Jadidat Arar through Arar, Sakaka, and Madinah to Makkah.From the south, pilgrims from Yemen follow a 1,372-km route via Al-Wadiah, Najran, and Abha to Makkah.Those coming from Oman travel the longest route — about 2,150 km — crossing the Rub’ al Khali via Umm Al Zumoul, Al-Batha, Salwa, Al-Hofuf, and onward to Makkah.Ahead of the Hajj season, the RGA has conducted extensive inspections and maintenance work across the road network, including resurfacing, shoulder repairs, sand removal, drainage cleaning, and checks on barriers and signage to ensure the highest safety standards.