King Salman Orders Hosting of 1,300 Pilgrims from 100 Countries for Hajj 1446 Under Royal Guests Program

Photography: Courtesy of SPA

Riyadh, May 23 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has issued a royal directive to host 1,300 male and female pilgrims from 100 countries for Hajj 1446 AH under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance announced on Friday.

The initiative, overseen by the Ministry, reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Islamic world and fostering religious and cultural unity.

Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs and General Supervisor of the program, expressed his deep gratitude to King Salman and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, describing the directive as a testament to the Kingdom’s leadership in serving the causes of Islam and Muslims globally.

“This generous royal order reinforces the Kingdom’s dedication to its religious responsibilities and its leading position in the Islamic world,” Al Alsheikh said.

The Minister confirmed that the Ministry has mobilized all necessary resources to ensure high-quality services for the guests. A detailed implementation plan includes religious, cultural, and educational programming, as well as organized visits to significant Islamic landmarks in Makkah and Madinah, and meetings with scholars and imams of the Two Holy Mosques.

Al Alsheikh emphasized that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program aims to strengthen bonds with scholars, intellectuals, and religious leaders worldwide while promoting inter-Islamic dialogue and cultural exchange.

Since its inception in 1417 AH, the program has hosted approximately 65,000 pilgrims from 140 countries, providing them with comprehensive religious, logistical, medical, and cultural services from nomination to departure.

The Minister underscored that the initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and its goals of deepening Saudi Arabia’s ties with the Islamic world, enhancing humanitarian outreach, and supporting global religious and intellectual engagement.