Second Group of Umrah Performers Arrives in Madinah Under Saudi Guest Program

The second group of Umrah performers under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guest Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation has arrived in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to serving Islam and Muslims worldwide. The group, which arrived on December 18, 2024, consists of 250 male and female pilgrims from 14 European countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Austria, Montenegro, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Spain, Britain, Czechia, Netherlands, and Sweden. The first arrivals from this group, hailing from Romania and Bulgaria, totaled 34 individuals.

Context and Background

This initiative, which operates under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, reflects Saudi Arabia’s longstanding tradition of hospitality and generosity toward Muslims globally. The program is designed to facilitate the spiritual journeys of pilgrims from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and brotherhood among the global Muslim community. Throughout the current Hijri year 1446 AH, the program will host a total of 1,000 male and female Umrah performers from 66 countries, organized into four distinct groups.

Key Details

Upon their arrival in Madinah, the guests expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception and generous hospitality provided by the Kingdom. They described the program as a valuable gift from Saudi Arabia that serves Islam and Muslims, highlighting the Kingdom’s dedication to facilitating religious pilgrimages. The program includes comprehensive arrangements for transportation, accommodation, and guidance, ensuring a seamless and spiritually enriching experience for all participants. The guests visited the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, where they performed prayers and engaged in spiritual reflection.

International Impact

The inclusion of participants from 14 European countries underscores the program’s broad international reach and its role in strengthening cultural and religious ties between the Kingdom and nations worldwide. By welcoming pilgrims from diverse backgrounds, Saudi Arabia enhances its position as a global hub for Islamic worship and interfaith dialogue. This initiative also promotes mutual understanding and cooperation, contributing to regional stability and positive international perceptions of the Kingdom. The program’s success highlights Saudi Arabia’s ability to host large-scale religious events with efficiency and inclusivity.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guest Program aligns directly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes enhancing the experience of pilgrims and visitors to the holy sites. By expanding hospitality services and fostering global engagement, the Kingdom aims to welcome an increasing number of Umrah performers and tourists, boosting the religious tourism sector and contributing to economic diversification. This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to serving as a cradle of Islam while advancing modernization and international collaboration under Vision 2030.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guest Program?

A1. It is a Saudi initiative that invites Muslims from around the world to perform Hajj, Umrah, and visitation, reflecting the Kingdom’s hospitality and commitment to serving Islam.

Q2. Who inaugurated this program?

A2. The program is under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman.

Q3. When did the second group of Umrah performers arrive in Madinah?

A3. The second group arrived on December 18, 2024, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Q4. How many pilgrims are in this second group?

A4. The group consists of 250 male and female Umrah performers from 14 European countries.

Q5. Which European countries are represented in this group?

A5. The countries include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Austria, Montenegro, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Spain, Britain, Czechia, Netherlands, and Sweden.

Q6. How many pilgrims will the program host in total this Hijri year?

A6. The program will host a total of 1,000 male and female Umrah performers from 66 countries, divided into four groups.

Q7. How many groups are there in the program this year?

A7. There are four groups scheduled throughout the Hijri year 1446 AH.

Q8. Which two countries were the first to arrive from this group?

A8. The first arrivals from this group came from Romania and Bulgaria, totaling 34 pilgrims.

Q9. What did the pilgrims express upon their arrival?

A9. They expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for the generous hospitality.

Q10. How did the pilgrims describe the program?

A10. They described it as a valuable gift from the Kingdom that serves Islam and Muslims.

Q11. What is the main purpose of the program?

A11. The program aims to facilitate the spiritual journeys of Muslims from around the world, promoting unity and brotherhood.

Q12. Which holy site did the guests visit in Madinah?

A12. The guests visited the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah to perform prayers and engage in spiritual reflection.

Q13. How does the program reflect Saudi Arabia’s values?

A13. It showcases the Kingdom’s hospitality, generosity, and commitment to serving the global Muslim community.

Q14. What is the significance of including European countries?

A14. It strengthens cultural and religious ties between the Kingdom and European nations, promoting interfaith dialogue.

Q15. How does the program align with Vision 2030?

A15. It enhances the experience of pilgrims and visitors, boosting religious tourism and economic diversification under Vision 2030.

Q16. What services does the program provide to pilgrims?

A16. It includes transportation, accommodation, and spiritual guidance for a seamless pilgrimage experience.

Q17. How does the program contribute to Saudi Arabia’s global role?

A17. It positions the Kingdom as a hub for Islamic worship and international cooperation, fostering mutual understanding.

Q18. Are there similar programs for other religious groups?

A18. This program specifically serves Muslims, reflecting the Kingdom’s role as the birthplace of Islam and host of the holy sites.

Q19. Where can I find more information about this program?

A19. Official updates are provided by the Saudi Press Agency and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance.

Q20. What is the long-term goal of the program?

A20. The program aims to promote global peace and unity by facilitating spiritual journeys and enhancing the Kingdom’s hospitality.

---