Madinah, January 23, 2025 – The third batch of participants in the esteemed Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Umrah and Visitation for 1446 AH has begun arriving in Madinah today. This 10-day pilgrimage program is designed to offer Muslims from around the world the opportunity to perform Umrah, visit the Prophet’s Mosque, and explore the rich cultural and historical landmarks of both Madinah and Makkah. The arrival marks another significant step in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance the spiritual experience of Muslims visiting the Kingdom, further solidifying its role as a key destination for religious tourism.
As the first group from this batch arrived at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, officials from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance were on hand to extend a warm welcome. Among the first to arrive were the 22 members of the Egyptian delegation, who are part of the 250 participants from 18 African countries. The countries represented in this batch include Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Mali, Senegal, Cameroon, Chad, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Guinea, Mozambique, and Mauritania. Each participant will embark on a spiritually enriching journey that includes prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque, the sacred performance of Umrah, and visits to various Islamic heritage sites and museums in both Madinah and Makkah.
This program, which is a part of the Kingdom’s continuous commitment to facilitating the religious journey for Muslims, will host a total of 1,000 participants over the course of four batches throughout 1446 AH. The initiative has been approved by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and reflects his unwavering support for programs that enhance the Islamic experience for Muslims worldwide.
In addition to offering an opportunity for religious devotion, the program aims to foster greater cultural exchange and understanding among Muslims from diverse regions. Participants will also be able to explore the profound history of Islam through visits to significant Islamic landmarks, providing a deeper connection to the origins of their faith and the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Umrah and Visitation is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts under Vision 2030 to enhance the Kingdom’s global standing as a center for religious tourism, while continuing to offer support for the spiritual and cultural needs of Muslims.
