Saudi Arabia's Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, has approved the invitation of 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from across the globe as royal guests under a special initiative aimed at promoting Islamic unity and strengthening ties among Muslims worldwide.

The guests will perform Umrah under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program, supervised by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance. The initiative reflects the Kingdom's continued efforts to serve Islam and facilitate religious journeys for Muslims from different countries.

Pilgrims selected from dozens of countries

According to Saudi media, the invited pilgrims represent a wide range of countries, including Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and several other Muslim communities living in both Islamic and non-Islamic countries.

The group includes distinguished Islamic scholars, religious leaders, university professors, intellectuals, social workers and prominent personalities from various fields of life. The selection aims to recognize individuals who have contributed to their communities while strengthening bonds among Muslims worldwide.

Saudi government to bear all expenses

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs said the Saudi government will cover all travel, accommodation, transportation, medical care and Umrah-related expenses  for the royal guests.

In addition to performing Umrah, the pilgrims will also visit major Islamic and historical landmarks in Makkah and Madinah. The visits are intended to help participants gain a deeper understanding of Islamic history, heritage and the Kingdom's efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques.

Saudi minister praises leadership

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dr Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al Sheikh thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support of the program.

He said the initiative demonstrates the Saudi leadership's commitment to serving the global Muslim community and strengthening relations with Muslims from different parts of the world. He added that all relevant authorities have been instructed to ensure the guests receive the highest standard of hospitality and are able to perform their religious duties with ease and comfort.

A long-running initiative

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program has been running for several years. Every year, Saudi Arabia invites selected individuals from around the world to perform Hajj or Umrah as royal guests.

The initiative seeks to promote brotherhood, solidarity and mutual understanding among Muslims while highlighting Saudi Arabia's ongoing role in serving pilgrims and preserving the significance of Islam's holiest sites.