The Ministry of Islamic Affairs welcomes guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Hajj Program
The arrival of guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Hajj program has begun
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomed the first group of guests participating the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Hajj, Umrah and Visit Program. A royal decree was issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, to host 2,500 pilgrims from 104 countries across the globe to perform Hajj this year at his own expense. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs is responsible for implementing and overseeing this program to ensure the highest quality services are provided to the pilgrims from the moment they depart their countries until their safe return.
Historical context of the Royal Hosting Program
is The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Hajj, Umrah, and Visit Program an extension of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's historical and ongoing efforts to serve Islam and Muslims. Since the Kingdom's founding, its wise leadership has placed the care of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors at the forefront of its priorities. This annual program embodies the Kingdom's humanitarian and Islamic message, having hosted tens of thousands of pilgrims and Umrah performers from around the world since its inception, including families of martyrs and the wounded, as well as influential Islamic figures. This reflects the leadership's commitment to addressing the needs of Muslims, unifying their ranks, and strengthening the bonds of Islamic brotherhood.
Arrival of 1257 pilgrims from 60 countries around the world
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah welcomed the first group of 1,257 pilgrims hosted for this year's Hajj. These pilgrims represent more than 60 countries from all continents, including: Sudan, Yemen, Kenya, Rwanda, the United States, India, Bangladesh, Italy, Morocco, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Ivory Coast, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Slovenia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Maldives, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Luxembourg, France, Belgium, Sweden, Hungary, Norway, Greece, the United Kingdom, Russia, Cuba, Niger, Finland, Germany, Gambia, Croatia, Congo, Gabon, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ghana, Lebanon, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand.
An integrated system of services and facilities
Under the direct supervision and close monitoring of His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, the General Supervisor of the Program, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, the Ministry completed all preparations well in advance. Upon the guests' arrival at the airport, they were greeted by program officials who facilitated their procedures smoothly and efficiently. The pilgrims then boarded modern, well-equipped buses to transport them to their accommodations in Makkah. The Holiday Inn was designated for all program guests, while the Novotel was allocated to accommodate Sudanese pilgrims who are relatives of martyrs from the Sudanese Armed Forces. The various service committees (administrative, reception, transportation, guest affairs, media, accommodation, religious affairs, and the Holy Sites Committee) work together seamlessly to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims.
Regional and international importance and impact of the program
has The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Hajj Program far-reaching dimensions and impacts that extend beyond the local sphere to the regional and international levels. Internationally, the program enhances the Kingdom's soft power and highlights its leading role as a hub for the Islamic world and a champion of peace and tolerance. Regionally, it contributes to strengthening fraternal ties among Muslim peoples, particularly through hosting the families of martyrs and those injured from brotherly nations, leaving a profound psychological and social impact and alleviating their suffering. Domestically, the program reflects the efficiency of Saudi government agencies and their exceptional ability to manage crowds and provide logistical and organizational services to international standards.
Thanks and appreciation to the wise leadership
At the conclusion of their journey, the program's guests expressed their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister – may God protect them – for enabling them to perform Hajj. The guests commended the generous care and high-quality services they received, as well as the warm welcome and hospitality extended by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. They also praised the accompanying awareness, guidance, and religious programs that helped them perform the fifth pillar of Islam with complete peace of mind and spirituality.
