May 5, 2026
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Brunei Darussalam has been listed among 10 countries granted the privilege of implementing the Makkah Route Initiative for the haj 1447 Hijrah season.
An initiative by the Government of Saudi Arabia aimed at facilitating and expediting the travel process for haj pilgrims, this implementation forms part of the efforts under Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasises enhancing the quality of services for Dhuyufurrahman (Guests of Allah the Almighty).
Through this initiative, the entry process for Brunei Darussalam’s haj pilgrims into Saudi Arabia will be faster and more seamless, as immigration procedures are completed in advance within the country, eliminating the need for immigration clearance upon arrival at Madinah Airport.
Meanwhile, pilgrims’ baggage will be tagged and organised earlier at Brunei International Airport according to their hotel accommodations in Madinah, allowing for direct delivery of baggage to their hotels. In marking this initiative, an official launch ceremony for the implementation of the Makkah Route Initiative for Brunei Darussalam’s haj pilgrims for 1447 Hijrah was held on Monday in collaboration with the Government of Saudi Arabia at the Brunei International Airport, coinciding with the departure of the first haj flight from Brunei Darussalam. Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Haji Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Awang Haji Othman officiated the ceremony on behalf of the Government of Brunei Darussalam.
Chairman of the Supervisory Committee for the Makkah Route Initiative and Advisor to the Minister of Interior of Saudi Arabia Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya represented the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar and Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha were also in attendance.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan, Ambassador-Designate of Saudi Arabia to Brunei Darussalam Saleh bin Abdulkarim Al-Shiha, along with a delegation from the Government of Saudi Arabia also attended.
Brunei Darussalam’s participation in this initiative reflects recognition by the Government of Saudi Arabia of the efficiency of the country’s haj management and its compliance with established regulations, while also underscoring the close and strong relations between the two nations. – LYNA MOHAMAD