Saudi Arabia Welcomes First Group of Umrah Guests Under Royal Program

Saudi Arabia Welcomes First Group of Umrah Guests Under Royal Program

Saudi Arabia has officially welcomed the first group of pilgrims under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit, marking the beginning of another important phase of the Kingdom's efforts to serve Muslims from around the world. The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia's continued commitment to enhancing the Umrah experience by providing organized hospitality, quality accommodation, transportation, and cultural programs for selected guests.

The first group arrived in Madinah in July 2026, where officials from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance received the pilgrims and ensured a smooth arrival process before transferring them to accommodation near the Prophet's Mosque.

Key Highlights

• Saudi Arabia welcomed the first group of 250 Umrah pilgrims under the Royal Guests Program.
• Pilgrims arrived from 16 Asian countries.
• Guests were received in Madinah before continuing their journey to Makkah.
• The program provides accommodation, transportation, hospitality, and educational activities.
• The initiative is implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

About the Royal Umrah Guests Program

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program is one of Saudi Arabia's flagship initiatives aimed at facilitating Umrah for Muslims from different parts of the world. Approved by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the program will host 1,000 male and female pilgrims during the 1448 AH Umrah season, with arrivals taking place in four separate groups throughout the year.

The first group consists of 250 pilgrims representing 16 Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, China, Mongolia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Services Provided to the Pilgrims

Upon arrival in Madinah, the guests received a complete range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and spiritually rewarding visit.

These services are intended to provide pilgrims with a seamless and memorable Umrah experience throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Journey from Madinah to Makkah

Following several days in Madinah, the first group departed for Makkah to perform Umrah after visiting the Prophet's Mosque and participating in organized religious and cultural activities. Program officials coordinated every stage of the journey to ensure smooth transportation and high-quality services.

Pilgrims Express Gratitude

Many of the guests expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and excellent organization they experienced upon arrival. Pilgrims praised Saudi Arabia's hospitality, efficient services, and the opportunity to perform Umrah in a peaceful and well-organized environment.

Participants also highlighted the professionalism of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and acknowledged the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to serve Muslims from around the world through initiatives that promote unity and cultural exchange.

What This Means for Future Umrah Pilgrims

The arrival of the first group under the Royal Guests Program demonstrates Saudi Arabia's continued investment in improving the pilgrimage experience. By combining organized hospitality, reliable transportation, quality accommodation, and educational activities, the Kingdom continues to strengthen its services for international Umrah pilgrims while supporting the broader objectives of Vision 2030 to enhance the pilgrim journey.