RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has approved the hosting of 1,000 male and female Umrah pilgrims from across the globe at his personal expense under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit.
The initiative, which is overseen and implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, will be carried out in four phases throughout the Islamic year 1448 AH. The first phase will welcome 250 pilgrims from 16 Asian countries, including Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mongolia.
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh expressed his gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued dedication to serving Islam and Muslims worldwide. He said the initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to facilitating Umrah and visits to the holy sites while strengthening bonds of brotherhood among Muslims from different nations.
The program forms part of Saudi Arabia’s longstanding efforts to support Muslim communities around the world. Established in 1997, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program annually hosts selected pilgrims, scholars, religious figures, and representatives of Muslim minorities, enabling them to perform Hajj or Umrah and visit the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.
Beyond covering travel and accommodation expenses, the program provides comprehensive religious, educational, and healthcare services. Guests participate in lectures, seminars, and meetings with scholars and the imams of the Two Holy Mosques, while specialized translators ensure accessibility in multiple international languages. Medical teams and fully equipped clinics also accompany participants throughout their journey.
The program aims to showcase the Kingdom’s efforts in serving Islam, the Holy Quran, and the Two Holy Mosques, while fostering greater understanding, cooperation, and unity among Muslims worldwide. It also seeks to strengthen ties with influential figures and Muslim communities across different countries, promoting moderation, dialogue, and Islamic brotherhood.
The latest royal directive continues a tradition of hospitality and service that has benefited thousands of Muslims over the years, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s role as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites and its commitment to welcoming worshippers from every corner of the world.
