Saudi Arabia has welcomed the first group of pilgrims hosted this year under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit. According to the Saudi Press Agency, an initial group of 250 pilgrims arrived in Makkah after spending several days in Madinah and performed Umrah on arrival. King Salman is hosting a total of 1,000 Umrah performers at his own expense this year, with guests travelling in four groups.
Guests from 16 countries
The first group brought together pilgrims from 16 countries across Asia and the Pacific. According to the Saudi Press Agency, participants came from Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mongolia.
The program is implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance. On arrival, the guests expressed their appreciation to the Kingdom's leadership for the care and services that eased their pilgrimage and their visit to the Prophet's Mosque. They thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality and praised the organisation throughout the program.
A journey through Madinah and Makkah
During their stay in Madinah, the guests toured the King Fahd Glorious Qur'an Printing Complex, where they learned about its high-precision printing, translation and global distribution of the Qur'an. They also visited Mount Uhud, the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery and Quba Mosque, where they learned about the Battle of Uhud and offered prayers.
In Makkah, the program includes scientific and cultural events alongside the rites of Umrah. Guests visit the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, where the covering of the Kaaba is produced, and the Revelation Exhibition in the Hira Cultural District, which presents the history of the early revelation.
Religious guidance in native languages
A dedicated Shariah committee supports the guests throughout the program. According to the Ministry, the committee answers Shariah-related questions, explains the rites and rulings of Umrah and visitation, identifies approved places to visit, and delivers guidance sessions and lectures. These services are provided by a selected group of preachers and translators so that guidance reaches each guest clearly in their own language.
The initiative aims to deepen the guests' understanding of the rulings on Umrah and visitation, helping them perform their pilgrimage in line with authentic Islamic teachings. It forms part of a long-standing tradition in which the Kingdom hosts pilgrims from around the world each year as guests of the King.
Practical notes for pilgrims
Places on the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program are by invitation and nomination, often through Saudi diplomatic missions and Islamic bodies in each country, rather than by open public application. Pilgrims inspired by the program can still follow its example: spend time in Madinah before or after Umrah, visit historic sites such as Quba Mosque and Mount Uhud with correct etiquette, and seek reliable religious guidance before performing the rites. Learning the rulings of Umrah in advance, from ihram to tawaf and sa'i, helps every pilgrim complete the journey with confidence and in accordance with the Sunnah.