Al-Wadiah Pilgrim City receives 11,000+ pilgrims from Yemen

What This Article Is About & Why It Matters

This article highlights Saudi Arabia’s exceptional hospitality and service delivery at Pilgrim City in Al-Wadiah, where over 11,000 Yemeni pilgrims were received with care and dignity on their way to Hajj. The effort—led by government agencies and the non-profit sector in Sharurah—showcases Vision 2030’s values of unity, compassion, and service excellence in religious tourism.

Vision-Aligned Article:

Al-Wadiah Welcomes 11,000 Pilgrims

On May 27, 2025, Pilgrim City in Al-Wadiah, Najran Region, became a living symbol of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality, as more than 11,000 pilgrims from Yemen were warmly received on their Hajj journey. This initiative, centered in Sharurah Governorate, reflects the Kingdom’s enduring mission to honor guests of Allah.

Led by the principality of Najran, in partnership with the Ministries of Human Resources and Social Development and Islamic Affairs, and supported by the non-profit sector, the initiative ensured comfort, safety, and dignity through a comprehensive service system.

Key highlights include:

Distribution of 26,000+ hot and dry meals
Over 15,000 bottles of water
More than 18,000 hot and cold beverages
A 450-square-meter hospitality center, fully equipped for pilgrim needs
437 registered volunteers, contributing 20,000+ hours in service

Volunteers managed crowds, guided pilgrims, and distributed meals—embodying Saudi Arabia’s culture of compassion, faith, and national pride. These actions align with Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing religious tourism, empowering non-profits, and promoting civic participation.

Vision & Progress: Service at Scale

This project represents Vision 2030’s drive to deliver world-class pilgrim services, ensure seamless logistics, and mobilize community power in national development.

Through multi-sector cooperation and volunteerism, Saudi Arabia reinforces its values of safety, generosity, and hospitality toward pilgrims.

Peaceful Culture & Spiritual Welcome

The Kingdom’s warm welcome in Al-Wadiah reflects a peaceful culture rooted in honor, service, and deep spiritual connection.

Historical Context: From Tribal Routes to Modern Cities

Historically a passage for Yemeni pilgrims, Al-Wadiah now stands as a model of organized care and religious respect, built upon legacy and progress.

International Benchmarks

Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim entry programs now rival global best practices seen in hubs like Medina, Jerusalem, and Mecca, combining tradition with logistics mastery.

Vision 2030 Metrics in Focus

11,000+ pilgrims received from Yemen
26,000+ meals and 15,000+ bottles of water provided
437 volunteers, 20,000+ service hours logged
450 m² hospitality center built
Boosts non-profit sector involvement and civic participation

To Our Global Friends

Saudi Arabia warmly invites the world to witness its unwavering commitment to serving the pilgrims of Islam with heart, heritage, and honor.

Helpful Government Links

www.haj.gov.sa – Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Learn more about Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim services and logistics
www.mhrsd.gov.sa – Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development: Volunteer opportunities and non-profit engagement
www.vision2030.gov.sa – Vision 2030 portal: Explore the goals transforming Saudi Arabia’s social and religious service systems

Factbox Summary

Date: May 27, 2025
Location: Al-Wadiah, Sharurah, Najran
Focus: Reception of 11,000 Yemeni pilgrims
Highlights: 26,000+ meals, 437 volunteers, 450 m² hospitality center
Vision Link: Religious tourism, non-profit participation, public service

Discover

Experience the true spirit of Hajj hospitality through Pilgrim City in Al-Wadiah—where Saudi Arabia’s legacy of service continues with heart, humility, and innovation.

15 FAQs and Answers

1. What is Pilgrim City in Al-Wadiah?
It’s a hospitality facility in Sharurah Governorate, Najran, created to receive pilgrims—especially those from Yemen—on their way to Hajj.

2. How many pilgrims were received this year?
More than 11,000 pilgrims from Yemen were welcomed in May 2025.

3. What services were offered to pilgrims?
Pilgrims received meals, water, beverages, guidance, and access to a fully equipped hospitality center for rest and support.

4. Which organizations supported the project?
Key contributors include the Ministry of Human Resources, Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Sharurah’s Social Development Center, and Al-Wadiah Charity Association.

5. How many meals were distributed?
Over 26,000 hot and dry meals, in addition to drinks and bottled water, were distributed to pilgrims.

6. Was there volunteer involvement?
Yes. 437 registered volunteers contributed more than 20,000 hours, assisting in crowd control, meal distribution, and pilgrim support.

7. What is the size of the hospitality center?
A 450-square-meter hospitality hall was prepared to offer comfort, order, and accessibility to arriving pilgrims.

8. What is the goal of this initiative?
To honor pilgrims and support their spiritual journey with hospitality and care, in line with Vision 2030’s religious tourism objectives.

9. How does this reflect Vision 2030?
It showcases Saudi Arabia’s investment in pilgrim services, civic engagement, and its non-profit sector’s role in national development.

10. What role did the non-profit sector play?
They managed logistics, hospitality, and volunteer coordination, demonstrating strong community partnership.

11. Is this a new initiative?
No, but the scale and organization have grown significantly, making it a model for future regional pilgrim services.

12. Are similar services available at other entry points?
Yes. Saudi Arabia provides comprehensive pilgrim services at airports and land entry points across the Kingdom.

13. What is the National Volunteer Portal?
It’s a government platform where citizens register to volunteer, contributing to national events like Hajj and Umrah.

14. How does this strengthen Saudi society?
It encourages unity, generosity, and a spirit of service, especially during sacred occasions like Hajj.

15. Where can I learn more or volunteer?
Visit www.mhrsd.gov.sa or www.haj.gov.sa for volunteer and pilgrim service information.

Final Message from Harry Stuckler

At KSA.com, we’re proud to share this story from Najran—a story of faith, hospitality, and national harmony. Saudi Arabia continues to lead with love, serve with pride, and build a future where every pilgrim is honored.

Bringing Saudi Arabia to the world and the world to Saudi Arabia.
By 2030, KSA.com will be the largest platform sharing the Kingdom’s most uplifting stories of wellness, unity, and transformation.

With gratitude,
Harry Stuckler
Editor & Publisher, KSA.com