Jeddah airport launches Hajj media centre for local, international journalists

Jeddah: The Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services inaugurated the media centre for the 2024 Hajj season at the Hajj and Umrah terminals at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The centre aims to support and assist over 1,300 journalists from 16 countries throughout the arrival and departure of pilgrims via the airport during the Hajj season.

Operating around the clock, the centre provides journalists with shared workspaces and real-time updates, enhancing media efficiency during the Hajj season. It collaborates with the Makkah Route Initiative led by the Ministry of Interior in a dedicated pavilion, alongside the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the General Authority of Media Regulation, catering to both local and international media outlets.

Technological advancements set to revolutionize transportation and logistics systems for pilgrims include road-cooling technology, virtual glasses for bus inspections and automatic monitoring technology. These innovations aim to improve efficiency, safety and comfort for pilgrims during their journey.

Further initiatives to enhance the pilgrimage experience include the luggage-free Hajj initiative, set to be implemented this year at King Abdulaziz International Airport and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. The Ministry of Transport is exploring additional innovative initiatives, such as the rubberized sidewalk initiative, the taxi app for convenient transportation and the use of self-driving vehicles for order delivery, focusing on improving pilgrims’ overall well-being, reducing logistical challenges and enhancing accessibility to essential services.