Welcome to the first group of Chadian pilgrims in Mecca | Trip details

In an atmosphere of faith, spirituality, and warm welcome, the first group of Chadian pilgrims , numbering approximately 700, arrived in Mecca to perform Hajj this year. The pilgrims received a generous welcome reflecting the renowned Saudi hospitality, including the offering of blessed Zamzam water, dates, Arabic coffee, fruits, flowers, and souvenirs that brought joy and happiness to their hearts upon their arrival in the Holy Land.

The depth of historical relations in receiving pilgrims from Chad and Africa

Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has paid close attention to pilgrims from the African continent. For Muslims in Chad and neighboring countries, the Hajj pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime journey passed down through generations. Pilgrim caravans used to traverse vast distances and endure great hardships to reach Mecca. With the tremendous development the Kingdom has witnessed over the decades, this arduous journey has been transformed into a smooth and safe experience thanks to advanced infrastructure, the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques, and the development of air and land transportation systems. Welcoming Chadian pilgrims today represents a continuation of this long-standing legacy of serving Islam and Muslims, and reaffirms the Kingdom's leading role in welcoming Muslims from all corners of the earth.

Regional and international dimensions of the successful organization of the Hajj season

This annual event holds immense significance that transcends local boundaries, encompassing broad regional and international dimensions. Locally, the meticulous organization of the Hajj pilgrimage reflects the readiness of Saudi Arabia's various sectors and their exceptional capacity to manage crowds and provide comprehensive logistical, health, and security services. Regionally and internationally, offering the highest quality services to the pilgrims strengthens diplomatic and fraternal ties between the Kingdom and other Islamic nations. It also highlights Saudi Arabia's soft power as a hub for the Muslim world, enhancing its global standing and reaffirming its unwavering commitment to serving humanity and providing a safe and stable environment for millions of Muslims who gather in one place at one time.

Improving Hajj services in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030

The group was received by the Arab States Pilgrims' Guides Association (Ashraqat), represented by Rahlat wa Manafa'a, at Field Service Center (209). The reception was attended by Mr. Muwaffaq Khoja, a member of the Ashraqat Board of Directors, and Mr. Muhammad Al-Tayeb Al-Khuzami, CEO of Rahlat wa Manafa'a, along with officials from the Chadian Hajj Affairs Office. Mr. Muhammad Maajini, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab States Pilgrims' Guides Association, affirmed that Ashraqat is honored to serve Chadian pilgrims for the second year, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing services for pilgrims to the Holy House of God through the launch of numerous programs and initiatives aimed at providing the highest quality services and enriching the pilgrim's journey to achieve the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

Specialized reception programs in the pilgrims' native languages

The CEO of “Rihlat wa Manafa’a,” Mr. Mohammed Al-Tayeb Al-Khuzami, welcomed the pilgrims, explaining that the total number of Chadian pilgrims is approximately 8,000, who will be served by two field service centers. Al-Khuzami revealed the implementation of a unique initiative: welcoming Chadian pilgrims in their native language, which brought them joy and reassurance, breaking down the language barrier. He indicated that they are continuing to implement all reception programs designed for non-Arabic speaking pilgrims, emphasizing their complete readiness to receive pilgrims from all continents under the slogan “Making a Difference on the Journey of a Lifetime.” He affirmed their diligent efforts to utilize all available resources to provide the utmost comfort and ease during the Hajj pilgrimage, in accordance with the directives and vision of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz – may God protect him – to care for those visiting the Two Holy Mosques and provide a comprehensive spiritual experience.