Saudi Arabia has announced that 1,000 Muslims from 66 countries will be hosted as royal guests to perform Umrah under the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit.
The initiative was approved by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, with the selected pilgrims set to receive comprehensive hospitality services, including travel, accommodation, transportation, and other logistical support throughout their journey.
According to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, the program will be implemented in four phases during the Islamic year 1448 AH. The first phase will bring 250 Umrah pilgrims from 16 Asian countries to the Kingdom.
The countries included in the first phase are Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mongolia.
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al Al-Sheikh said the initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to serving Islam and Muslims worldwide while strengthening bonds among Muslim communities, scholars, and influential religious figures.
He thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support of programs aimed at facilitating religious visits and promoting Islamic solidarity.
The royal guest program is one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship religious outreach initiatives. Since its launch, it has hosted thousands of pilgrims, scholars, and Islamic figures from more than 140 countries, covering all expenses associated with their pilgrimage and stay in the Kingdom.
The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia continues preparations for the new Umrah season following the conclusion of Hajj 2026. The Kingdom has expanded its digital services for pilgrims, including online permit systems, smart guidance tools, and enhanced transportation networks, as part of its broader Vision 2030 strategy to improve the pilgrimage experience.
Saudi authorities say the latest phase of the program underscores the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to facilitate access to the holy sites and strengthen ties with Muslim communities across the globe.