Why Al Rafiq exists.
After long hours on a plane, I finally landed in Jeddah, my mind at peace and in a state of Ihram, ready to head to the holy sites.
Right from arrival, I had to deal with pushy touts, unofficial drivers, and inflated prices. I found myself having to explain myself and haggle, even though, just a few metres away, other pilgrims were heading to the exact same destination.
A question came to me then: why go through all this when we're all sharing the same sacred journey?
That's how Al Rafiq was born. A project that's deeply close to my heart, and one I hope will come to life to make everyday life easier for thousands of pilgrims.
Our ambition goes beyond just the ride: it's about coming together around a shared sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. By sharing our transport, we save money together, but more than that, we create wonderful human connections between pilgrims from every corner of the world.
Al Rafiq was designed to support you at every step:
- Before you leave: checklists and practical tips so you can set off with peace of mind.
- For all your journeys: whether it's right on arrival, your Makkah ↔ Madinah connections, or your return to the station and airport, join a trusted group and travel with complete peace of mind.
- During your rites: a clear, smooth guide to support you step by step through your spiritual journey.
A fraternal, community-minded approach so that everyone feels true peace of mind from their very first steps:
“… and whoever enters it shall be safe.”
Abou Hafs
Founder of Al Rafiq