Saudi Arabia has begun welcoming this year's group of pilgrims hosted under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit. According to the Saudi Press Agency, King Salman is hosting 1,000 Umrah performers at his own expense this season, with the guests arriving in four separate groups. The first group of 250 pilgrims reached Makkah in mid-July after spending several days in Madinah, where they performed Umrah and toured sites of deep significance to the early history of Islam.
The initiative is one of the longest-running expressions of royal hospitality in the Kingdom. Each year it brings Muslims from around the world to the two holy cities as guests of the state, covering their travel, accommodation, and guidance so they can focus on worship.
Pilgrims from across Asia and the Pacific
The first group drew participants from 16 countries, reflecting the program's reach into communities that are often far from Makkah. According to Arab News, the pilgrims 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. Officials said the guests expressed their gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality, and praised the organization of the visit and the integrated services that supported their spiritual experience.
A structured spiritual and educational journey
During their stay in Madinah, the guests visited 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 were taught about the Battle of Uhud and offered prayers.
In Makkah, the program includes scientific and cultural events, along with visits to the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa and the Revelation Exhibition in the Hira Cultural District. These stops give guests a fuller understanding of the heritage surrounding the Grand Mosque and the early years of the Prophetic mission.
Religious guidance in native languages
A dedicated Shariah committee accompanies the guests throughout the journey. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the committee answers religious inquiries, explains the rites and rulings of Umrah and visitation, identifies approved places to visit, and delivers guidance sessions and educational lectures.
These services are provided by a selected group of preachers and translators to ensure that guidance reaches every guest clearly in their own language. The aim, officials said, is to help pilgrims perform Umrah in accordance with authentic Islamic teachings and to deepen their understanding of the rulings connected to the pilgrimage.
Practical notes for pilgrims
The Guests Program is by invitation and nomination, usually arranged through Saudi diplomatic missions and Islamic organizations in each country. Pilgrims who are not part of the program can still benefit from the same holy sites and educational venues, most of which are open to all visitors.
For those planning their own Umrah, a visit to Madinah is highly recommended before or after the rites in Makkah. Key sites such as Quba Mosque, Mount Uhud, and the Qur'an Printing Complex are accessible and enrich the journey. Booking an approved guide or joining an organized educational tour can help visitors learn the history of each location. As always, pilgrims should confirm their Umrah rulings with knowledgeable scholars and rely on authentic sources when learning the rites.