Ibri: The RubelKhali (Empty Quarter) Border Crossing—which connects the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—allowed 80 buses transporting 2,696 pilgrims to transit to the Holy Lands to perform Hajj ceremonies. This effort exemplifies the coordinated attempts of the concerned agencies to simplify pilgrimage processes.
This careful coordination exemplifies the efficiency of cooperation between various authorities, including the Royal Oman Police and the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, in streamlining travel procedures and decreasing waiting times at border checkpoints. These processes assure easy transportation and comfort for visitors coming from various governorates across Oman.
Ibrahim Mubarak Al Harthy, from the Al Dhahirah Governorate's Endowments and Religious Affairs Department, stated that the process was carried out in two phases. The first phase focused on confirming pilgrims' conformity with the Omani Hajj Mission's and its Saudi counterpart's rules and guidelines. The second step consisted of finishing passport processes and obtaining the required permission to enter Saudi Arabia.
Several travelers voiced satisfaction with the orderly procedures at the border crossing, complimenting the smooth transit process and rapid completion of procedures by the relevant officials.
To improve services, the Royal Oman Police, in collaboration with the Sultan's Armed Forces, the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority, and the Ibri Charitable Team, built a full service center along the route between Ibri and the border crossing. This facility provides pilgrims with a variety of support and aid, including emergency and ambulance services, ensuring their safety and comfort throughout their trip.
