I wrote this article while I was at Dubai airport and my idea was to compare the standard of service in Dubai with the standard in Jeddah.
A visitor to Dubai will immediately conclude that its airport is at least 20 years ahead of Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport. I chose Dubai rather than a European or American airport so that the comparison would be more acceptable to those who allege that you can’t compare Saudi airports to those of the developed world.
The first impression of a visitor to Dubai airport is that it differs from KAIA in almost every aspect: Design, integrated services, cleanliness, treatment of passengers and the smooth and orderly way in which things are done. It is an airport which greets its visitors with a broad smile, welcoming them to a clean and beautiful city. In short, it is an airport that treats all visitors as first class citizens.
Travel to Jeddah’s airport and you will immediately notice the difference. This is an airport that should serve as the gateway to the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah which attract millions of Muslims from all over the world throughout the year.
What do you expect to find here? An airport that sends a plain message to visitors: What brought you here in the first place? The message is that since you are not a VIP, you will be given second, or even third, class treatment. The message is clear to all visitors that their time and wishes are of no importance and if they experience a delay, it is no big deal. Add to this the congestion, chaos and choking atmosphere with no one paying any attention to the “No Smoking” signs and where in fact cigarette-brandishing travelers and staff move freely from one place to another.
In Dubai, visitors can use a small electronic card that enables you to pass through all gates without having to queue at the passport, or any other, counters. All you have to do to enjoy this service is pay the equivalent of SR150 at the departure lounge any time of day. When will see such service introduced here?
I advise officials and decision-makers to travel at least once through the ordinary, rather than the VIP, departure lounge at KAIA and experience for themselves a situation that is growing worse with each passing day.
— Arab News Local Press 23 October 2003
