The "Kedada" Warning
You land at Jeddah Airport (KAIA). You are tired. You just want to reach your hotel in Makkah. A man approaches you in the arrivals hall—not at a desk, but walking around.
"Taxi? Cheap price. Makkah 50 Riyals."
This is the first red flag. In Saudi Arabia, illegal unlicensed taxi drivers are known as "Kedada". While some are just locals trying to make money, many pose significant risks to pilgrims.
The Top 3 Scams to Watch For
The Bait-and-Switch
They agree on a low price (e.g., 200 SAR). Halfway to Makkah, in the middle of the desert, they stop and demand 500 SAR, claiming "luggage fee" or "traffic charge." You have no choice but to pay.
The "Shared Ride" Surprise
You think you hired a private car. Suddenly, the driver stops to pick up 3 other strangers to fill the seats. Your wife and daughters are now squeezed next to unknown men for a 90-minute ride.
The No-AC Rust Bucket
At the airport, he shows you a picture of a nice Camry. But he leads you to a beat-up 1990s car with broken AC hidden in the parking lot. It's 40°C outside.
How to Identify a Licensed, Safe Driver
Official transport providers like Al Aqsa Umrah Transport operate under strict Ministry of Transport regulations. Here is what to look for:
- Uniform/ID: Professional drivers often wear a vest or carry an ID badge.
- White Plate vs. Yellow Plate: Official taxis have specific plate markings. However, reputable private transfer services (like ours) use high-end private plates but provide digital booking confirmations beforehand.
- Pre-Booking: Legitimate companies will send you the driver's name, car model, and license plate number before you land.
Why Pre-Booking Saves You Money (and Stress)
It might seem cheaper to negotiate at the curb, but the hidden costs of scams, stress, and safety risks are high. When you pre-book:
- Price is Fixed: No negotiation. No surprises.
- Accountability: If the AC breaks, you have a company to call. If a "Kedada" car breaks, you are on your own.
- Tracking: We track our cars via GPS. We know where you are at all times.
Your safety is an Amanah. Don't gamble with it to save a few Riyals. Book a trusted ride and start your Umrah with peace of mind.