Umrah Guests Leave Medina for Makkah Under Saudi Program

Guests of the second batch of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Umrah and Visit departed Medina on Monday, heading to Makkah to perform the rites of Umrah, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The program, implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, is hosting 250 pilgrims — men and women — representing 23 countries across Europe and Asia. Before their departure, the guests had the honor of visiting the Prophet’s Mosque, offering prayers in the Noble Rawdah, and spending several days filled with religious and cultural activities and visits to Islamic and historic sites, all supported by an integrated system of services and care provided by the Ministry.

Context and Background

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Umrah and Visit is a long-standing Saudi initiative that reflects the Kingdom’s enduring commitment to serving Islam and Muslims worldwide. Supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, the program selects pilgrims from a wide range of countries and hosts them at the Kingdom’s expense, enabling them to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque in an atmosphere of comfort and reassurance. The second batch of this year’s edition draws its 250 guests from 23 nations spanning Europe and Asia, underscoring the program’s global reach and its role in strengthening ties between the Kingdom and Muslim communities abroad.

The initiative forms part of a broader Saudi strategy to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims, expand the capacity of the Two Holy Mosques, and elevate the quality of services offered to guests of God. It also complements ongoing efforts to modernize pilgrimage infrastructure and streamline procedures for international visitors.

Key Details

During their stay in Medina, the pilgrims visited a number of prominent Islamic and historical landmarks, including Mount Uhud, the Cemetery of the Martyrs, and Quba Mosque, the first mosque built in Islam. They also toured the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran and the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, where they engaged with exhibits detailing the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The guests took part in a series of accompanying religious and cultural programs designed to enrich their spiritual experience and broaden their knowledge. The Ministry coordinated all logistics, including accommodation, transportation, and guided visits, ensuring a smooth and fulfilling journey from arrival through departure.

Expressing their deep happiness at visiting the Prophet’s Mosque and praying in the Noble Rawdah, the pilgrims said the services and facilities provided to them since their arrival in the Kingdom until their departure from Medina embody the generous care extended by the Kingdom’s leadership to the guests of God. They praised the Ministry’s efforts in implementing the program, affirming that these endeavors reflect Saudi Arabia’s dedication to serving Islam and Muslims and its commitment to marshaling all resources so pilgrims can perform their rites with ease and tranquility.

Implications and Impact

The departure of the second batch from Medina to Makkah highlights the operational efficiency of Saudi Arabia’s pilgrimage management system, which coordinates the movement of large groups between the Kingdom’s two holiest cities. For the participating countries, the program serves as a bridge of goodwill, offering Muslim communities in Europe and Asia a direct experience of Saudi hospitality and religious stewardship.

The initiative also reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in facilitating religious travel. By hosting pilgrims from diverse backgrounds and providing comprehensive care, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its capacity to manage increasingly large numbers of visitors while maintaining high standards of service and safety. The positive impressions carried home by these guests contribute to a broader understanding of the Kingdom’s role and its ongoing transformation.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Umrah and Visit aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance the Kingdom’s service to pilgrims, expand the capacity of the Two Holy Mosques, and enrich the spiritual and cultural experience of visitors. Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is investing in world-class infrastructure, digital services, and hospitality to accommodate growing numbers of Umrah and Hajj performers. The program also supports the vision’s goal of deepening international engagement and showcasing the Kingdom’s cultural heritage. As the second batch travels to Makkah to complete their Umrah, the initiative stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s enduring dedication to serving Islam and Muslims and to its leading role on the global stage.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Umrah and Visit?

A1. It is a Saudi initiative implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance that hosts pilgrims from various countries at the Kingdom’s expense to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque.

Q2. How many pilgrims are in the second batch of the program?

A2. The second batch includes 250 pilgrims, both men and women, representing 23 countries from Europe and Asia.

Q3. Where did the second batch depart from and where are they heading?

A3. They departed from Medina and are heading to Makkah to perform the rites of Umrah.

Q4. Which Saudi ministry implements the program?

A4. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance implements the program under the supervision of the Kingdom’s leadership.

Q5. What religious sites did the pilgrims visit in Medina?

A5. They visited the Prophet’s Mosque, prayed in the Noble Rawdah, and toured Mount Uhud, the Cemetery of the Martyrs, and Quba Mosque.

Q6. What cultural and educational sites did the guests tour?

A6. The pilgrims visited the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran and the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization.

Q7. How long did the guests stay in Medina?

A7. They spent several days in Medina, filled with religious and cultural programs and visits to Islamic and historical landmarks.

Q8. What did the pilgrims say about the services provided?

A8. They praised the integrated services and care, saying these reflect the generous attention the Saudi leadership gives to the guests of God.

Q9. How does the program reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Islam?

A9. It demonstrates the Kingdom’s dedication to serving Islam and Muslims by facilitating pilgrimages and providing comprehensive care to visitors from around the world.

Q10. Which continents are represented in the second batch?

A10. The 250 pilgrims come from countries across Europe and Asia, reflecting the program’s broad international reach.

Q11. What is the significance of visiting the Noble Rawdah?

A11. The Noble Rawdah is a highly revered area in the Prophet’s Mosque, and praying there is considered a deeply spiritual experience for pilgrims.

Q12. What role does the King Fahd Complex play?

A12. The King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran produces copies of the Quran and Islamic texts, serving Muslims worldwide and preserving the Holy Book.

Q13. How does the program facilitate travel for pilgrims?

A13. The Ministry coordinates accommodation, transportation, and guided visits, ensuring a smooth and fulfilling journey for all guests.

Q14. What did the pilgrims say about their overall experience?

A14. They expressed deep happiness and noted that the care they received from arrival to departure embodied the Kingdom’s generosity and commitment to their comfort.

Q15. How does this program support Saudi Vision 2030?

A15. It aligns with Vision 2030 by enhancing services to pilgrims, expanding the capacity of the Two Holy Mosques, and enriching the spiritual experience of visitors.

Q16. What other programs accompany the pilgrimage?

A16. The Ministry organizes religious and cultural programs that enrich the pilgrims’ spiritual experience and broaden their knowledge of Islamic heritage.

Q17. Why is the Cemetery of the Martyrs significant?

A17. It is the burial site of companions of the Prophet who died at the Battle of Uhud, making it an important historical and religious landmark.

Q18. How does the program strengthen international ties?

A18. By hosting pilgrims from diverse nations, the program builds goodwill and offers Muslim communities abroad a direct experience of Saudi hospitality.

Q19. What impressions do guests take home?

A19. They carry positive impressions of Saudi Arabia’s care and efficiency, contributing to a broader understanding of the Kingdom’s role and transformation.

Q20. What does the program signify for the Kingdom’s global role?

A20. It underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in facilitating religious travel and its enduring dedication to serving Islam and Muslims worldwide.

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