By Fahd Al-Mutairi

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — The Haji & Mu’tamer’s Gift Charitable Association received the first group of pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom to perform Haj and visit Madinah to pay homage to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and pray at his mosque.

The organization started its operations on July 4 at the reception and welcome center at Al-Nouraniyyah checkpoint on the Makkah-Madinah Expressway.

Deputy Minister of Haj Abdul Fattah Al-Mashshat witnessed the reception and inspected the center. He was accompanied by Abdul Rahman Al-Harbe, chairman of the general syndicate of cars, heads of the tawafa establishments and a number of the ministry's officials.

In addition to the gift packets containing various valuable items, the organization also offered pilgrims a true Arab hospitality providing them with roses, hot meals, dates and soft drinks.

Chairman of the organization Mansour Al-Amri thanked the ministry for its continuous support and for giving it the opportunity to serve the Guests of Allah at all the checkpoints at the land inlets and the miqat places between Makkah and Madinah.

"This consistent support is a crucial factor behind the success of the organization," he said.