Riyadh: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has approved the hosting of 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from around the world as royal guests of Saudi Arabia.
According to sources, the initiative is part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visitation. Under the program, 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from 66 countries will be invited to the Kingdom as special royal guests.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance said the program will be implemented in four phases during the year 1448 AH. In the first phase, 250 Umrah pilgrims from 16 Asian countries will be invited to Saudi Arabia.
According to a report by the Saudi Gazette, the countries included in the first phase are Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mongolia.
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Abdulatif Al Sheikh thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the initiative, describing it as a reflection of the Saudi leadership’s commitment to serving Islam and Muslims.
He added that the program promotes brotherhood and stronger ties among different segments of the Muslim world, while also helping to strengthen relations with scholars, religious figures and influential personalities in Muslim societies.
Also Read: NADRA offices to close nationwide for Ashura
