Saudi Arabia has announced a special initiative that will allow 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from 66 countries to visit the Kingdom as royal guests under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Hajj, Umrah and Ziarat program.
The initiative was approved by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and is aimed at strengthening ties among Muslim communities around the world while supporting religious and cultural exchange.
According to Saudi authorities, the program will be carried out in four phases. The first phase will host 250 pilgrims from 16 Asian countries. Participants will come from nations including Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and Japan, along with several other countries in the region.
Saudi officials stated that the initiative reflects the Kingdom’s continued commitment to serving Islam and facilitating opportunities for Muslims from different backgrounds to visit the holy sites.
The program is also intended to strengthen unity, understanding, and cooperation among Muslim communities across various regions of the world.
The selected guests are expected to perform Umrah and participate in a range of religious, cultural, and educational activities during their stay. The initiative will also provide opportunities for interaction between scholars, religious leaders, and community representatives from different countries.
Officials noted that the program aims to build stronger relationships with influential figures in the Muslim world while promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues of common interest.
The latest announcement is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to support religious services and enhance the experience of pilgrims visiting the Kingdom.
The program continues a long-standing tradition of hosting guests from around the world and fostering closer connections among Muslims through shared religious experiences.

