Makkah, December 28, 2024 — The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance hosted a significant cultural event yesterday for the second group of Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Umrah and Visitation, marking yet another milestone in Saudi Arabia's efforts to support and facilitate the spiritual journeys of Muslims from around the world. The event, which featured a variety of cultural and entertainment activities, was a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the pilgrims' opportunity to perform the sacred Umrah rituals and visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
The guests, hailing from diverse regions, expressed their deep appreciation to the Saudi leadership for their generous hospitality. They conveyed their heartfelt thanks to the Ministry for the comprehensive arrangements that allowed them to perform Umrah and engage in a spiritual experience that is central to their faith. These visitors, both men and women, celebrated the chance to undertake the revered pilgrimage, as well as to visit Madinah and Makkah, the two most sacred cities in Islam, reaffirming their profound sense of connection to the broader Muslim Ummah.
During the event, Sheikh Ali Al-Zughaibi, the Executive Director of the Program, highlighted the program's immense success since its inception. He noted that since its launch in 1435 AH, the program has welcomed 4,500 pilgrims from across the globe, providing them with the unique opportunity to perform the Umrah rituals and visit the Prophet’s Mosque. This initiative, supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aims to honor and serve the guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, reflecting the Kingdom's role as a beacon of Islamic unity and spirituality.
This year’s second group of program participants consisted of 250 men and women pilgrims from 14 European countries, further highlighting the global nature of the program. The diversity of the pilgrims, representing a range of European nations, underlined the inclusive spirit of the program, which seeks to facilitate the pilgrimage experience for Muslims from all corners of the world.
The cultural event provided an opportunity for guests to not only participate in religious rituals but also to experience the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia. As the guests gathered to celebrate their shared faith and experiences, the event also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting Islamic solidarity, cultural exchange, and the strengthening of the ties that unite Muslims globally.
The program continues to reflect Saudi Arabia's dedication to serving Muslims worldwide, offering an invaluable opportunity for them to deepen their spiritual connection to Islam while fostering mutual understanding and respect among the global Muslim community. Through such initiatives, the Kingdom is ensuring that its role as a spiritual and cultural hub for the Muslim world remains at the heart of its vision for the future.
