The first group of pilgrims, invited by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, have arrived in the holy city of Mecca ahead of next week’s annual Hajj pilgrims.
The group comprises 305 pilgrims from 33 countries. They are part of hundreds of male and female pilgrims invited from different countries.
Abdullah Al Anzi, the spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, said the number of the pilgrims covered by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Programme will reach 3,300 from 100 countries.
He added that reception committees at King Abdulaziz International Airport in the Red Sea city of Jeddah welcome the invited pilgrims upon their arrival and provide them with quality services.
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The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Programme for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit offers comprehensive services to the invitees right from their departure from the home country until their return after completing the rituals in and around Mecca.
Hajj is one of Islam’s five obligatory duties. Muslims who are physically and financially able must perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
