8,700 Pilgrims Benefit from Dammam Airports’ \

Dammam Airports Company (DACO) successfully concluded its “Serving You Is an Honor” initiative for the 1445 AH Hajj season, providing comprehensive services to over 8,700 pilgrims at King Fahd International Airport and Al-Ahsa International Airport. The initiative, now in its eighth edition, was launched to facilitate the smooth departure and arrival of pilgrims, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to the comfort and well-being of Hajj performers.

Context and Background

The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, attracting millions of Muslims from around the world to the holy city of Mecca each year. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, places the highest priority on ensuring a safe, spiritual, and seamless experience for all pilgrims. Dammam Airports Company, a key player in the Kingdom’s aviation sector, has been at the forefront of these efforts, implementing innovative operational plans that align with Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing service quality and infrastructure.

The “Serving You Is an Honor” initiative is a testament to this dedication. It is designed not only to manage the logistical complexities of pilgrim movement but also to provide a welcoming and supportive environment that reflects the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and religious significance.

Key Details

Engineer Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hassany, Chief Executive Officer of DACO, emphasized that the initiative welcomed pilgrims, facilitated their travel, and provided necessary care and guidance. “The initiative is a reflection of our commitment to serving the guests of God with the utmost respect and efficiency,” he stated. The operational plan included a dedicated area at the airport offering a range of services such as primary health care, guidance, and religious rulings in multiple languages, including sign language, ensuring accessibility for all.

DACO set up registration and baggage check-in areas, real-time services for people with disabilities, specific locations for Hajj campaigns, and platforms for immediate interaction with participating government, health, and civil-society institutions. In collaboration with the Eastern Province Municipality, DACO launched a two-way transportation service to King Fahd International Airport, offering 2,000 free tickets. The initiative involved successful partnerships with 23 government and private agencies, and saw the participation of over 300 volunteers and more than 5,000 employees from government agencies and the private sector.

The initiative operated 22 flights to serve pilgrims departing and arriving at King Fahd International Airport and Al-Ahsa International Airport. Notably, DACO achieved record-breaking passenger and air-traffic numbers at King Fahd International Airport on the 7th of Dhul-Hijjah. The number of passengers reached 50,139, marking a 20% increase from the peak recorded in 2023. The airport also set a new record for air traffic on the same day, with 374 flights, showing an estimated 8% growth compared to the highest number of flights in 2023.

Implications and Impact

The success of the “Serving You Is an Honor” initiative has significant implications for Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector and its overall Hajj management strategy. It demonstrates the Kingdom’s ability to handle large-scale operations efficiently, enhancing its reputation as a global leader in pilgrimage services. The record-breaking numbers at King Fahd International Airport underscore the effectiveness of DACO’s planning and the resilience of Saudi infrastructure.

Moreover, the initiative’s emphasis on inclusivity, with services for people with disabilities and multilingual support, highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to accessibility and equality. This aligns with the broader goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to improve the quality of life for all citizens and visitors. The collaboration with various government and private entities also showcases the power of partnerships in achieving national objectives.

Internationally, the initiative reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a hospitable and well-organized host for millions of pilgrims. It sends a positive message about the Kingdom’s modernization efforts and its dedication to serving Islam’s holiest sites. The use of advanced technologies and real-time services further positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in smart airport management.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The “Serving You Is an Honor” initiative is a clear embodiment of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, enhance public services, and promote sustainable development. By investing in infrastructure and human capital, DACO and its partners are contributing to the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a global logistics hub and a top tourist destination. The initiative not only facilitates the Hajj journey but also supports the broader vision of a prosperous and modern Saudi Arabia that honors its religious heritage while embracing innovation.

As the Kingdom continues to welcome pilgrims from around the world, such initiatives will play a crucial role in showcasing Saudi Arabia’s progress and its unwavering commitment to the service of Islam and humanity.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the “Serving You Is an Honor” initiative?

A1. The “Serving You Is an Honor” initiative is a comprehensive operational plan by Dammam Airports Company to assist pilgrims during the Hajj season, providing services at King Fahd International Airport and Al-Ahsa International Airport.

Q2. How many pilgrims benefited from the initiative in 1445 AH?

A2. Over 8,700 pilgrims benefited from the initiative during the 1445 AH Hajj season, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Q3. When did the last flight carrying returning pilgrims arrive?

A3. The last flight carrying returning pilgrims arrived early Thursday morning at King Fahd International Airport, marking the conclusion of the initiative’s operations for the season.

Q4. Who is the CEO of Dammam Airports Company?

A4. Engineer Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hassany is the Chief Executive Officer of Dammam Airports Company, and he emphasized the initiative’s role in welcoming and facilitating pilgrims.

Q5. What services were provided at the airport for pilgrims?

A5. Services included primary health care, guidance, religious rulings in multiple languages including sign language, registration and baggage check-in areas, and real-time services for people with disabilities.

Q6. How many free transportation tickets were offered?

A6. DACO, in collaboration with the Eastern Province Municipality, offered 2,000 free tickets for a two-way transportation service to King Fahd International Airport.

Q7. Which year’s edition of the initiative was this?

A7. This was the eighth edition of the “Serving You Is an Honor” initiative, implemented for the 1445 AH Hajj season.

Q8. How many government and private agencies partnered in the initiative?

A8. The initiative involved successful partnerships with 23 government and private agencies, enhancing the scope and efficiency of services provided to pilgrims.

Q9. How many volunteers participated in the initiative?

A9. Over 300 volunteers participated in the initiative, contributing to the smooth movement and assistance of pilgrims at the airports.

Q10. How many employees from government and private sectors were involved?

A10. More than 5,000 employees from government agencies and the private sector operating in Dammam airports participated in the initiative.

Q11. How many flights were operated as part of the initiative?

A11. The initiative operated 22 flights to serve pilgrims departing and arriving at King Fahd International Airport and Al-Ahsa International Airport.

Q12. What record was achieved on the 7th of Dhul-Hijjah?

A12. On the 7th of Dhul-Hijjah, King Fahd International Airport achieved record-breaking numbers: 50,139 passengers and 374 flights, marking significant increases from 2023.

Q13. What was the percentage increase in passengers compared to 2023?

A13. The number of passengers reached 50,139, marking a 20% increase from the peak recorded in 2023, demonstrating the initiative’s success in managing high volumes.

Q14. What was the percentage growth in air traffic?

A14. The airport recorded 374 flights on the same day, showing an estimated 8% growth compared to the highest number of flights in 2023.

Q15. How did the initiative support people with disabilities?

A15. The initiative provided real-time services for people with disabilities, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity, along with sign language support for religious rulings and guidance.

Q16. What role did the Eastern Province Municipality play?

A16. The Eastern Province Municipality collaborated with DACO to launch a two-way transportation service to King Fahd International Airport, offering 2,000 free tickets to pilgrims.

Q17. What languages were used for religious rulings and guidance?

A17. Religious rulings and guidance were provided in multiple languages, including sign language, to cater to the diverse needs of international pilgrims.

Q18. How does the initiative reflect Saudi Vision 2030?

A18. The initiative reflects Vision 2030 by enhancing public services, investing in infrastructure, and promoting the Kingdom as a global leader in pilgrimage management and tourism.

Q19. What was the significance of the record-breaking numbers?

A19. The record-breaking numbers highlight the effectiveness of DACO’s operational planning and the Kingdom’s capability to handle large-scale events, reinforcing its reputation in global aviation.

Q20. What is the overall impact of the initiative on Saudi Arabia’s image?

A20. The initiative positively impacts Saudi Arabia’s image by showcasing its hospitality, organizational efficiency, and commitment to serving pilgrims, aligning with its role as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites.

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