The first group of 250 pilgrims has arrived in Makkah and performed Umrah under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit. The group reached the holy city after spending several days in Madinah, and its members thanked the Kingdom's leadership for the care that eased their journey and their visit to the Prophet's Mosque.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that King Salman is hosting 1,000 Umrah performers this year at his own expense, with the guests arriving in four groups. The program is implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, which oversees the religious, cultural and logistical arrangements for the visitors.
Pilgrims from 16 countries
The first group brought together participants from 16 countries across Asia and the Pacific. They came from Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mongolia.
The guests praised King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their hospitality and commended the organization of the program. They also thanked the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for services that, they said, deepened their spiritual experience during the visit.
A program in Makkah and Madinah
In Makkah, the program includes scientific and cultural events alongside the pilgrimage rites. 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 story of the early revelation.
During their earlier stay in Madinah, the pilgrims toured the King Fahd Glorious Qur'an Printing Complex and learned about its high-precision printing, translation and worldwide distribution of the Qur'an. They also visited Mount Uhud, the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery and Quba Mosque, where they heard accounts of the Battle of Uhud and offered prayers.
A Shariah committee supports the guests throughout. According to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the committee answers questions on religious rulings, explains the rites of Umrah and visitation, identifies approved places to visit, and delivers guidance sessions and lectures. Preachers and translators provide this guidance in the pilgrims' own languages so that instructions are clear.
Part of a long-standing tradition
The Guests Program is one of several hosting initiatives the Kingdom runs each year for Hajj and Umrah. Such programs bring pilgrims from many nations, often including relatives of those affected by conflict or hardship, and cover travel, accommodation and structured religious guidance during the stay.
For readers inspired by the program, a few practical notes apply to any Umrah journey. Learning the rites in advance, including the intention for ihram, Tawaf and Sai, helps a pilgrim move through the holy sites with confidence. Combining a visit to Madinah with Umrah, as the guests did, allows time at the Prophet's Mosque and the historic sites nearby, though visiting Madinah is a recommended act rather than a part of Umrah itself.
Pilgrims are also encouraged to seek reliable religious guidance before and during the trip, whether through official programs, trusted scholars or verified resources, so that each act of worship is performed correctly and with understanding.