Saudi Crown Prince hosts Hajj reception, highlights Kingdom’s service to pilgrims, calls for action on Palestine

📷SPA

MINA, Saudi Arabia, June 8 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Friday hosted the annual reception for heads of state, senior officials, Muslim dignitaries, and guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques at Mina Palace, state media reported.

The reception was attended by Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Beninese Vice President Mariam Chabi Talata Zime Yerima, and former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.

Following the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman delivered a speech, conveying Eid Al-Adha greetings on behalf of King Salman and extending congratulations to Muslims worldwide.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains committed to serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, pilgrims, and Umrah performers, placing this duty at the forefront of its priorities,” the crown prince said.

He also highlighted the continued suffering of Palestinians amid Israeli aggression and emphasized the international community’s responsibility to end the conflict, protect civilians, and support a peaceful resolution in line with international legitimacy.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah delivered a speech detailing the preparations and notable achievements of this year’s Hajj season. He noted that planning began after last year’s Hajj under the supervision of King Salman and the direct support of the crown prince, resulting in an unprecedented level of service integration.

Al-Rabiah reported that more than 670 service agreements were concluded. In the energy sector, 46 new projects enhanced capacity in Makkah and the Holy Sites by 75%, with investments exceeding SAR 3 billion. The transport sector saw more than 7,000 flights from 238 international destinations, alongside 4,700 Haramain High-Speed Railway trips, 2,500 Mashaer Metro Train trips, and the deployment of more than 20,000 buses.

Healthcare improvements included a 60% increase in bed capacity, a new emergency hospital, and expanded rapid intervention points and emergency response capabilities. Infrastructure upgrades included over 300,000 square meters of shaded areas and the planting of 23,000 trees to mitigate heat stress.

Technological advancements were highlighted through the Nusuk app, which now offers more than 130 digital services, and the Masar Nusuk platform, which streamlines contracting and visa procedures. The “No Hajj Without Permit” campaign was implemented to ensure compliance and safety.

A speech from the Muslim World League, delivered by Sheikh Muhammad bin Ahmed Hussein, underscored the importance of unity among Muslims and praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts to serve Islam and support the Palestinian cause.

Syria’s Minister of Endowments Sheikh Mohammad Abu al-Khair Shukri, speaking on behalf of heads of Hajj affairs offices, commended the Kingdom for the distinguished services provided to pilgrims and the advancements achieved under Saudi Vision 2030.