The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance today received the first group of 250 male and female pilgrims from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit upon their arrival in Madinah from 16 Asian countries: Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mongolia. This is part of the program implemented by the ministry to host pilgrims and visitors from various countries around the world.

Upon their arrival, the guests were received by the Acting Secretary-General of the Program, Mr. Ali bin Abdullah Al-Zughaibi, and a number of program officials. Their reception procedures were completed smoothly, and they were transported to their accommodation at a hotel adjacent to the Prophet's Mosque, within an integrated system of services and organization to ensure their comfort from the moment they arrived.

The guests expressed their thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may Allah preserve them – for this generous hospitality that enabled them to perform the Umrah rituals and visit the Prophet's Mosque. They praised the great efforts made by the Kingdom in serving Islam and Muslims and caring for the guests of the Most Merciful.

The guests also highlighted the role of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in implementing the program, affirming that this initiative reflects the Kingdom's care for Muslims around the world and contributes to strengthening the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and spreading the values of moderation, balance, and tolerance.

The ministry explained that the working committees have prepared a comprehensive cultural and da'wah program for the guests, including a meeting with the Imam of the Prophet's Mosque, a visit to Quba Mosque, the site of the martyrs of Uhud, the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran, and the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilization. This will enrich their spiritual and cultural experience and reflect the Kingdom's attention to the program's guests, in line with the directives of the wise leadership – may Allah support them – in serving Islam and Muslims.