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The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance on Thursday welcomed the first group of 250 male and female Umrah pilgrims arriving in Madinah from 16 Asian countries. Acting Secretary-General of the program Ali Al-Zughaibi and accompanying officials managed the arrival formalities before transferring the guests to a hotel adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque. This reception forms part of a complete hospitality package that includes all logistical and service needs during their visit. The pilgrims hail from Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mongolia.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud approved the program in June to host the 1,000 pilgrims across four phases during the 1448 AH calendar. The ministry implements the royal initiative that carries the full cost borne personally by the king. Guests will spend time in Madinah before moving to Makkah for the Umrah rituals. The arrangement allows participants to engage with key Islamic sites while benefiting from dedicated support services.
The ministry reported that the guests expressed their appreciation to the Saudi leadership for the opportunity to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque. They praised the Kingdom’s efforts to serve Islam, Muslims and the guests of Allah. The visitors also commended the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for its role in carrying out the program that promotes moderation, tolerance and Islamic solidarity. This first group initiates what will be a year-long series of delegations.
Established in 1997, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program has hosted Muslims from more than 140 countries according to Saudipedia. One prior edition welcomed 2,500 pilgrims from 104 countries. The current year’s structure of four phases builds on that foundation with the initial arrival on Thursday. The program remains under the direct implementation of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.
Pilgrims in the program receive full coverage for their stay including accommodation, meals and transportation between the holy cities. The ministry has organized a broad cultural and educational agenda for the visitors that features lectures, guided tours and interactive sessions. Officials arranged visits to museums and sites linked to the Prophet’s biography to provide deeper historical context. Additional groups are scheduled to follow in the coming months to complete the 1,000 total.
