Riyadh: The transport and logistic services sector in Saudi Arabia has declared its full preparedness to serve pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season of 1445 AH. This year’s approach emphasizes comprehensive services enabled by innovative technologies designed to streamline the pilgrim journey.
Various agencies have been preparing at the Jeddah Islamic Port, a critical logistics hub. Here, integrated services will encompass container handling from arriving ships, meticulous inspections of sacrificial animals to ensure their safety, and efficient transportation to the holy sites. Notably, the port boasts world-class facilities to receive and manage various-sized marine tugs, vital for handling large and medium vessels. With its expansive 64 berths and an area spanning 12.5 kilometers, the Jeddah Islamic Port plays a central role in facilitating 75% of the Kingdom’s imports and exports.
The sector extends its reach beyond port operations, contributing to comprehensive logistics for various Hajj-related serv
ices. Preparations are underway to implement last-mile delivery solutions at the holy sites, utilizing advancements in robotics and self-driving transportation. These efforts mark a significant step towards modernizing the Hajj experience. Trial runs are planned for self-driving vehicles to deliver goods within the holy sites, including the deployment of self-driving refrigerated vehicles for last-mile deliveries in Makkah and surrounding areas.
These advancements reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to continuous improvement. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s impressive leap of 17 positions in the World Bank’s 2023 Logistic Performance Index is a testament to its dedication to enhancing efficiency across various sub-indices. Key areas of progress include logistics efficiency, tracking and tracing, delivery timeliness, customs procedures, infrastructure development, and maritime shipping capabilities.
Source: Saudi Press Agency