MUSCAT — A major road link from Oman to Saudi Arabia, which is nearing completion, will be of great advantage to those embarking on a Haj and Umrah pilgrimage, according to residents. “The road connecting Oman and Saudi Arabia is nearing completion at the end of the current Arabic year,” reported an article in Al Shabiba, the sister publication of the Times of Oman. The new road inside Oman is around 160 km while the road on the Saudi side will be about 519 km. The current distance between the two countries via the UAE is approximately 2,000 km. “The reduction of travel time will be really beneficial,” said a resident. The report said that most of the Empty Quarter road has been completed and it is expected to be opened to traffic at the end of the Arabic year. The project will facilitate one border crossing point instead of four to benefit travelers from both countries. “The road will boost trade and tourism between the two GCC neighbors and will ensure the quick delivery of products. Moreover, movement of pilgrims between the two countries will become easier and faster,” said the report. “The Omani part of the road has been ready for some time. The road passes through the Empty Quarter, one of the largest sand deserts in the world,” according to the report. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs stated on its Twitter account that the ministry has approved 230 Hajj campaigns for 61 companies. The ministry also rejected 13 campaigns due to violations of regulations such as failure to renew company licenses. The ministry clarified that 199 Haj campaigns were assigned to 54 companies for Omanis, three companies were assigned 14 campaigns for Arab expatriates, and four companies were assigned 17 campaigns for non-Arab expatriates. The project will benefit travelers from both countries. “The road will boost trade and tourism between the two GCC neighbors and will ensure quick delivery of products. Moreover, movement of pilgrims between the two countries will become easier and faster,” said the report. “The Omani part of the road has been ready for some time. The road passes through the Empty Quarter, one of the largest sand deserts in the world,” according to the report. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs stated on its Twitter account that the ministry has approved 230 Haj campaigns for 61 companies. The ministry also rejected 13 campaigns due to violations of regulations such as failure to renew company licenses. The ministry clarified that 199 Hajj campaigns were assigned to 54 companies for Omanis, three companies were assigned 14 campaigns for Arab expatriates, and four companies were assigned 17 campaigns for non-Arab expats.— Agencies
