The second group of 250 pilgrims hosted under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit has arrived in Makkah after spending several days in Madinah. Upon reaching the holy city, the guests performed Umrah and expressed their gratitude to the Kingdom's leadership for the care and services provided during their journey, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

King Salman is hosting 1,000 Umrah performers at his own expense this year, with the guests arriving in four separate groups. The program, one of the Kingdom's long-standing charitable initiatives, brings Muslims from around the world to the two holy cities as guests of the state.

Twenty-three countries represented

The second group represents 23 countries across Europe and Asia. Among them are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Moldova, Austria, Slovakia, Estonia, Poland, Switzerland, Iraq, Jordan and Syria.

The breadth of nationalities reflects the program's aim of reaching Muslim communities in many different regions, including those where Muslims form a minority. For many of the guests, the invitation offers a rare opportunity to visit Makkah and Madinah with their travel and hospitality arranged by the host.

A program of worship and learning

Implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the Makkah portion of the program includes academic and cultural activities alongside visits to key religious and historical sites. Among the destinations are 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.

During their earlier stay in Madinah, the guests toured the King Fahd Glorious Qur'an Printing Complex, where they learned about its printing, translation and global distribution operations. The complex is one of the largest producers of the Qur'an in the world, sending copies to Muslim communities across the globe.

The guests also visited Mount Uhud, the Uhud Martyrs' Cemetery and Quba Mosque. At these sites they learned about the Battle of Uhud and performed prayers, connecting the history of the early Muslim community with the places where those events took place.

The pilgrims expressed their thanks to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their hospitality and praised the organization of the program. They also commended the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for services that they said enhanced their spiritual experience.

Part of a wider tradition

The Guests Program is one of several ways the Kingdom supports pilgrims each year, from the annual reception of Hajj and Umrah performers to services delivered through the Nusuk platform. Hosting worshippers at the state's expense has become a fixture of the Saudi calendar, extending an invitation to Muslims who might otherwise find the journey difficult to arrange.

For pilgrims following such programs from afar, the arrivals are a reminder that the doors of the two holy cities remain open throughout the year, not only during the Hajj season.

Practical tips for pilgrims

Most pilgrims will travel to Makkah and Madinah through standard Umrah arrangements rather than official hosting programs. A few steps can help ensure a smooth journey:

  • Secure your permit early. Obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk application before travelling.
  • Plan Madinah visits thoughtfully. Sites such as Quba Mosque, Mount Uhud and the Prophet's Mosque enrich a journey when time is set aside for them.
  • Learn the history. Understanding the significance of each site deepens the spiritual value of a visit.
  • Book through approved providers. Use operators licensed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for reliable service.

Whether hosted or self-arranged, a well-planned pilgrimage allows worshippers to focus on the acts of devotion at the heart of the journey.