RIYADH, May 24, 2025 (BSS/SPA) -- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has issued a royal directive to host 1,300 male and female pilgrims from 100 countries to perform Hajj in the year 1446 AH, under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation, which is overseen by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

 Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, General Supervisor of the program, expressed his profound gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. He praised the generous directive as a testament to the wise leadership's dedication to serving the causes of the Islamic nation and a reaffirmation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's steadfast position in the Islamic world.

 Minister Al Alsheikh stated that following the royal directive, the ministry immediately mobilized all its resources and capabilities to deliver the highest quality services to the esteemed guests. A comprehensive implementation plan has been meticulously prepared, encompassing faith-based, cultural, and educational programs. These include organized visits to key Islamic and historical landmarks in Makkah and Madinah, as well as meetings with prominent scholars and imams of the Two Holy Mosques, all aimed at enriching the pilgrims' spiritual and intellectual experience.

 He emphasized that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation is a unique initiative designed to strengthen bonds with religious, scholarly, and intellectual leaders across the Islamic world, while fostering cultural exchange and advocacy. Since its inception in 1417 AH, the program has hosted approximately 65,000 pilgrims from 140 countries. The ministry has provided these guests with a comprehensive range of logistical, religious, health, and cultural services, from their nomination through to their return to their home countries after completing the Hajj rituals.

 He underscored that this hosting initiative clearly portrays the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to serving Islam and Muslims. It aligns with the Kingdom’s vision to deepen its ties with Islamic nations and enhance its positive presence on the global stage, thereby contributing to the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030's Islamic and humanitarian goals.