King Salman: Serving the Two Holy Mosques is a steadfast approach and a historical responsibility
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is resolutely and steadfastly committed to its unwavering approach of serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, including pilgrims, Umrah performers, and other visitors. This royal affirmation reflects the utmost priority the Saudi leadership places on the holy sites, considering this service not merely a job duty, but a great honor and a profound responsibility bestowed upon this land and its kings by God, a trust passed down from generation to generation.
Since the founding of the modern Saudi state by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman – may God have mercy on him – the Kingdom has placed serving the pilgrims at the forefront of its strategic and religious priorities. This has been clearly demonstrated throughout history by the adoption by the Kingdom's kings of the title "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques," a title that reflects the immense dedication and effort exerted to harness all material and human resources to ensure the comfort and peace of mind of the pilgrims. This historical approach has not changed; rather, it has become more firmly established and developed over time, becoming a defining characteristic of Saudi identity.
During the prosperous reign of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Two Holy Mosques have witnessed unprecedented leaps forward, including the completion of major expansions—the largest in Islamic history—and the development of the infrastructure surrounding the holy sites. These efforts encompass mega-projects such as the Haramain High-Speed Railway, connecting Mecca and Medina, the expansion of the circumambulation area (Mataf), and the modernization of logistical, health, and security services. These projects directly aim to facilitate the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, making them a comfortable, safe, and spiritually enriching experience.
These commendable efforts complement the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to bring about a qualitative leap in the Hajj and Umrah sector, aspiring to accommodate 30 million pilgrims annually. To achieve this, the Kingdom has harnessed the latest digital technologies and artificial intelligence solutions, such as the "Nusk" platform and electronic visas, to manage crowds and provide smart services, reflecting the Kingdom's advanced development and its exceptional ability to manage the world's largest human gatherings efficiently and effectively.
This ongoing commitment not only carries religious and service-oriented dimensions, but also underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading role in the Islamic world and its pivotal position as the beating heart of the Muslim Ummah. Serving the Two Holy Mosques remains the cornerstone of the Kingdom's relations and its noble mission of spreading peace and moderation, affirming to the entire world that the comfort of the pilgrims is a red line and a paramount priority from which the wise leadership will not deviate.
