New Hajj Transport Regulations Announced for Bahraini Pilgrims

Representatives from Bahraini Hajj campaigns recently attended a joint meeting with the Bahraini Hajj Mission to discuss key updates for the upcoming pilgrimage season.

According to campaign officials, the Hajj Mission outlined new mandatory arrangements for Bahraini pilgrims’ transportation. Under the new rules, pilgrims must book internal Saudi buses through the “Nusk” app, and only buses operated by companies accredited by the Saudi Transport Syndicate will be allowed.

The rules require the use of these buses for all movements, including upon arrival in Mecca, internal transfers within the holy sites, and travel to Medina. Bahraini buses will only be permitted to transport pilgrims from a designated point after the King Fahd Causeway, and only for land trips.

Campaigns said discussions are ongoing about a possible exception that would allow Bahraini buses to transport pilgrims to and from Dammam Airport for flights operating through that airport, while other transport routes will remain under the electronic system’s registered companies.

In a related update, the Hajj Mission informed the campaigns that the area allocated to Bahraini pilgrims in Mina is likely to be included in a major development project. The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites (RCMC) is leading a project to replace tents with modern residential towers. The first phase includes ten five-story towers accommodating more than 30,000 pilgrims, alongside two-story advanced tents.

Sources said Bahrain has been notified that Bahraini pilgrims may be included in the trial operation of the new buildings next season, which could increase the cost per pilgrim by up to 300 Bahraini dinars.

Separately, a Hajj campaign owner – who requested anonymity – advised contractors to delay announcing their program prices due to confirmed and pending fees, including gypsum charges and holy site development costs. He warned that overlooking these could result in significant financial losses for campaigns, as occurred last season.