The first group of guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Hajj Program: 1257 pilgrims received
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomed the first group of guests participating in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Hajj, Umrah and Visit Program. This reception comes in implementation of the royal decree issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him – to host 2,500 pilgrims representing 104 countries from around the world to perform Hajj this year at his own expense. The Ministry is responsible for implementing this unique program and overseeing all its details to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims and facilitate the performance of their rituals with complete peace of mind.
A history full of contributions to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Hajj Program
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Hajj Program is one of the most prominent Islamic and humanitarian initiatives adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for decades. Historically, this program was launched to embody the Kingdom's noble mission of serving Islam and Muslims. Since its inception, it has hosted tens of thousands of pilgrims from around the world, especially those who have never performed the Hajj before, influential Islamic figures, and the families of martyrs and those injured in service. This program reflects the Saudi leadership's unwavering commitment to strengthening fraternal bonds among Muslims and presenting a shining example of Islamic tolerance and solidarity, making it a cornerstone of the Kingdom's religious and humanitarian efforts over the years.
Pilgrims from 60 countries arrive in the Holy Land
The first delegation that arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah included 1,257 pilgrims who were hosted this year, representing more than 60 countries from all continents of the world. The list of countries included: Sudan, Yemen, Kenya, Rwanda, the United States of America, 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, Britain, Russia, Cuba, Niger, Finland, Germany, Gambia, Croatia, Congo, Gabon, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ghana, Lebanon, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Upon their arrival, the guests were greeted by several program officials, and their arrival procedures were completed smoothly and efficiently. Afterwards, the guests boarded buses to their accommodations in Mecca: the Holiday Inn for the general program and the Novotel for Sudanese pilgrims who are relatives of martyrs from the Sudanese armed forces.
The strategic dimensions and regional and international impact of the initiative
The significance of hosting this event extends beyond the religious sphere, encompassing profound regional and international impacts. Domestically, this initiative highlights the Kingdom's exceptional capacity for crowd management and the provision of advanced logistical services, reflecting the ongoing development of infrastructure to serve pilgrims within the framework of Vision 2030. Regionally and internationally, hosting pilgrims from over 100 countries contributes to strengthening the Kingdom's soft power and consolidating diplomatic and public relations with various nations. Furthermore, bringing together Muslims from diverse cultures and languages under one roof reinforces the values of peaceful coexistence and dialogue, sending a global message affirming the unity and solidarity of the Muslim Ummah.
A sophisticated and integrated system of services to facilitate the rituals
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, under the supervision and guidance of His Excellency the Minister, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, the program's general supervisor, completed all procedures for implementing the Royal Decree well in advance. All necessary facilities were provided to serve the pilgrims through various service committees, including administrative, reception, transportation, guest affairs, media, accommodation, Sharia, and the Holy Sites Committee. These committees operate within an integrated system to ensure the highest quality of services provided to pilgrims from their departure from their home countries until their arrival in the Holy Land to perform the Hajj rituals.
Several guests of the program expressed their 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 through this exceptional program. They praised the excellent facilities and services they received, the warm welcome and generous hospitality, as well as the accompanying educational, guidance, and religious programs that enriched their spiritual experience.
