Makkah, December 26, 2024 – In a significant gathering that underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in serving Islam and Muslims worldwide, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, and General Supervisor of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Al-Sheikh, met with the program's distinguished guests in Makkah. This event, which took place on the evening of Wednesday, December 26, marks an important moment in the annual hosting of pilgrims for the Umrah and Hajj seasons, ensuring that the guests experience unparalleled care and service throughout their spiritual journey.
The meeting followed an inspection tour conducted by the Minister to monitor the extensive array of services provided to the guests, ensuring that the Kingdom’s vision for hospitality and welfare is reflected in every aspect of the program. The inspection focused on evaluating the quality of services and ensuring that they align with the directives set by the Kingdom's leadership. The goal is to guarantee that the guests can perform their religious rituals with comfort, ease, and peace of mind, in accordance with the Kingdom’s commitment to providing the highest standards of service.
Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Al-Sheikh personally welcomed the guests, expressing his deep gratitude for their participation in this year’s program and extending the heartfelt greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. Al Al-Sheikh emphasized that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s unwavering dedication to supporting Islam and Muslims globally, enabling them to perform the sacred rituals of Umrah and Hajj while also visiting the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.
Throughout the evening, the guests expressed their deep appreciation for the royal hospitality extended to them, thanking the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH Crown Prince for providing them with the opportunity to perform Umrah and visit the Holy Mosques. They particularly highlighted the exceptional quality of services they have received, which they said exceeded their expectations and made their spiritual journey a deeply fulfilling experience.
The guests also took the opportunity to praise the massive projects and expansions underway at both the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, noting that these developments reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to accommodating an ever-growing number of worshippers while enhancing the religious experience for millions of Muslims worldwide. The expansion projects are in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global hub for cultural exchange and religious tourism.
In their comments, the guests also commended the Kingdom’s efforts in promoting moderation, tolerance, and coexistence, which they described as exemplary models for the Muslim world. These values are actively promoted through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program, which not only focuses on religious guidance but also fosters a spirit of unity and understanding among Muslims from diverse backgrounds.
The meeting concluded with an affirmation of the Kingdom’s continued efforts to improve services for all pilgrims, with an emphasis on leveraging the latest technologies and innovations to enhance their spiritual journeys. This aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader goal of ensuring that every pilgrim experiences a transformative journey while adhering to the highest standards of care, safety, and comfort.
As part of the ongoing initiatives to support the global Muslim community, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation remains a critical part of the Kingdom's commitment to providing Muslims with the opportunity to visit Islam’s holiest sites. Through this program, Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate its role as a key leader in Islamic affairs, while fulfilling its duty to support and uplift the global Muslim community.
