Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has approved hosting 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from 66 countries around the world.

These pilgrims will be hosted in four groups during the year 1446 AH, as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit, which is being implemented and supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance.

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance and General Supervisor of the Program Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh thanked King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for their keenness and generous care to enable Muslims from different countries of the world to perform the rituals of Islam in ease and comfort at their own expense.

"This hosting comes as an extension of the great care provided by the wise leadership for everything that serves Islam and Muslims, as well as to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims in different parts of the world, and develops fruitful communication with the Islamic elites, scholars, sheikhs, and influential figures in the world who are hosted under the program," he said.

The minister noted that the program has covered various continents of the world, as the number of countries benefited from it since its launch until this year has reached more than 140 countries around the world. "Excellent services have been provided to these guests in accordance with an integrated system from the time they leave their countries until their safe return after performance of the rituals," he said.

Al-Sheikh said that the ministry has devoted all its energies to implement the royal directive in a way enabling the guests to perform Umrah rituals and visit a number of historical landmarks in Makkah and Madinah and meet with scholars and imams of the Two Holy Mosques.