Latest news with #CustodianoftheTwoHolyMosquesProgram
Saudi Gazette
29-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Pilgrims flock to Saudi Arabia from all over world, with their number crosses 1.25 million by Wednesday
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The General Directorate of Passports announced that a total of 1,255,199 pilgrims have arrived from abroad through all of the Kingdom's entry ports by the end of Wednesday. Of these, 1,186,810 pilgrims entered via airports, 63,301 through land ports, and 5,088 arrived by sea. The directorate reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating smooth and efficient entry procedures for the pilgrims by equipping its platforms with the latest technological systems, operated by qualified personnel fluent in multiple languages. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance announced the arrival of the second batch of guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit for the year 2025, totaling 1,053 male and female pilgrims from 76 countries around the world. Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance and General Supervisor of the Program Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al-Sheikh welcomed the guests, emphasizing that hosting them in Saudi Arabia embodies the wise leadership's keenness to care for delegations from the Islamic nation and to present a civilized model of warm welcome, generous hospitality, and integrated organization. The Acting Director General of Passports Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba inspected the passports department at the Jadidat Arar border crossing to assess the services provided to pilgrims and facilitate their entry procedures. Maj. Gen. Al-Murabba urged the border crossing staff to provide exceptional service and do their utmost to serve the guests of God. The visit is part of an inspection tour to ensure the readiness of land, sea, and air ports to receive the guests of God. The Saudi authorities are making finishing touches to their preparations at the holy sites to facilitate the pilgrims to perform their rituals in ease and comfort. Acting CEO of the General Authority for Roads Eng. Badr Al-Dulaimi inspected the innovations of flexible rubber roads and road cooling at the holy sites on Wednesday. These are among the most important innovations offered to serve pilgrims at the holy sites. The flexible rubber roads innovation provides flexible roads made from recycled tires, which contributes to providing highly flexible roads that absorb shocks and stresses for pilgrims. The road cooling innovation reflects sunlight, thus reducing road surface temperatures. During his tour, Eng. Al-Dulaimi inspected a number of road projects in the Makkah region that contribute to serving pilgrims, ensuring their safety and quality. The Ministry of Tourism revealed a huge increase in the number of hospitality facilities that have obtained the necessary licenses to operate in Makkah to serve the pilgrims. The number of licensed facilities has reached more than 1,160, recording a growth rate of 54 percent during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Arab News
30-01-2025
- Arab News
African group attends pilgrim program
MAKKAH: The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance on Wednesday held an open day for the third group of participants in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visitation. The group included 250 pilgrims from 18 African countries. The open day involved a range of cultural and recreational competitions. Attendees expressed their gratitude and appreciation to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their hospitality, asking God to reward them for their services to Islam and Muslims. They also praised the efforts of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, and said that the program followed the highest standards. The program enables visitors to perform Umrah and visit religious, cultural and civilizational monuments in Makkah and Madinah. Its executive director, Ali bin Abdullah Al-Zughaibi, welcomed the visitors, and said that the program is part of the leadership's keenness on communicating with Muslims and spreading the spirit of Islamic brotherhood.
