This year, Brunei Darussalam has been selected by the Government of  Saudi Arabia as one of the countries that will benefit from the implementation of the Makkah Route Initiative which aims to facilitate and expedite the process of entry of the country's Haj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, namely through the completion of immigration procedures at the Brunei International Airport. The matter was stated by the Minister of Religious Affairs at a Doa Selamat and get-together ceremony with this year's intending Haj Pilgrims. The event took place at the Bridex Banquet Hall, Jerudong, 1st May afternoon.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Haji Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Awang Haji Othman, also emphasised the challenges faced by the Brunei Darussalam Haj Management for pilgrimage to complete all Haj matters according to the timeline set by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia. Intending Haj pilgrims are also advised to always comply with the contingency plan and all instructions issued by the country's Haj management, in the event of any emergency while in the Holy Land.

This year, one thousand intending haj pilgrims will perform the Haj in the Holy Land. Also present was His Excellency Saleh Abdulkarim Al-Shiha, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia designate to the country. It aimed to fete the intending haj pilgrims who will perform the Haj this year and to pray to Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala that all intending haj pilgrims will always be protected and safe.