Saudi Arabia has welcomed a new group of Umrah pilgrims to Madinah under a royal hosting programme funded by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. According to the Saudi Press Agency, a group of 250 pilgrims from 23 African countries arrived in the city on September 1 and has begun a guided tour of its most significant Islamic landmarks.
The pilgrims are guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit. The initiative, approved by King Salman, is hosting 1,000 male and female Umrah performers from around the world entirely at the King's personal expense during the 1448 AH year.
A programme delivered in four groups
According to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, which is implementing the programme, the 1,000 guests are being received in four separate groups over the course of the season. The first group of 250 pilgrims came from 16 Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, China and Mongolia.
The latest arrivals represent the third group and were drawn from 23 nations across Africa. Officials from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs welcomed them on arrival in Madinah before beginning a structured educational, cultural and spiritual itinerary.
The guests expressed their gratitude for the invitation and praised the Kingdom's care for pilgrims. According to the Saudi Press Agency, they said the visit reflected Saudi Arabia's service to Islam and to Muslims worldwide, and thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the arrangements provided.
Visiting the landmarks of Madinah
During their stay, the pilgrims visited the Prophet's Mosque and prayed in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, the area between the Prophet's pulpit and his chamber. The Prophet, peace be upon him, described this space in a narration recorded by Imam al-Bukhari (1196) and Imam Muslim (1391), saying it is one of the gardens of Paradise.
The group also toured the King Fahd Glorious Qur'an Printing Complex, which produces tens of millions of copies of the Qur'an each year for distribution around the world. Their historical programme included the Uhud Martyrs' Cemetery and Mount Uhud, the site of the Battle of Uhud in the third year after the Hijrah, and Quba Mosque, the first mosque established in Islam.
Following their time in Madinah, the guests are due to travel to Makkah to perform Umrah and to visit further sites of religious and historical importance, completing a journey designed to combine worship with learning about the heritage of the two holy cities.
Part of a long-running tradition
The Guests Program has operated for many years as one of the Kingdom's most prominent forms of religious hospitality. It brings pilgrims from a wide range of countries to perform Hajj, Umrah and visits, covering their travel, accommodation and guidance. The programme reflects a longstanding practice of the Saudi state to host worshippers from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who might not otherwise have the means to travel.
By selecting participants from Asia in one phase and Africa in another, the programme underlines the global reach of the pilgrimage and the diversity of the Muslim community that gathers in Makkah and Madinah throughout the year.
Practical notes for pilgrims
For pilgrims planning their own visit to Madinah, the itinerary of the royal guests offers a useful template. Praying in Al-Rawdah now requires a permit booked in advance through the Nusuk app, and visitors should reserve a time slot before arriving at the Prophet's Mosque. Entry to the Rawdah is organised by scheduled groups to manage crowds, so patience and early booking are essential.
When visiting Uhud, Quba and other historical sites, pilgrims are reminded that these visits are recommended acts, not obligatory rites. Quba Mosque carries particular merit, as the Prophet encouraged prayer there. Visitors should dress modestly, carry water in the heat, and treat the cemeteries with the dignity and quiet reflection that these places deserve.