Guests of King Salman’s Umrah program praise warm hospitality, services

Participants in the second group of the King Salman Umrah and Visit Program expressed their appreciation for the warm hospitality and the care and services they have received since arriving in the Kingdom. Sharing their feelings after arriving in Makkah and performing Umrah, they said that seeing the Holy Kaaba and circumambulating the sacred site were unforgettable moments that will remain etched in their memories.

The second group includes 250 pilgrims from 23 countries across Europe and Asia, as part of the King Salman Umrah and Visit Program implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

Salima Powell, a pilgrim from the United Kingdom, said that performing Umrah and praying at the Grand Mosque embodied the highest values of equality and brotherhood in Islam. She noted that the gathering of Muslims from diverse nationalities and cultures, all wearing the ihram, reflected the unity and equality of Muslims, and that true distinction comes only through piety and good deeds.

Clayton Mali, a pilgrim from Albania, described his mixed emotions—sadness at leaving the Prophet’s City and longing for the Grand Mosque and seeing the Holy Kaaba for the first time in his life. He said he could not hold back tears when he first laid eyes on the Kaaba, overwhelmed by the awe and spirituality of the moment.

He added: “It was a majestic moment, combining the grandeur of the place with the beauty of the scene as I circumambulated the Kaaba among the crowds. I felt a deep sense of reverence, as if time had stopped and I was freed from the burdens and distractions of the world.”

Ibrahim Oglo from North Macedonia expressed his joy and delight upon reaching the Mataf area, saying he felt the sweetness of worship and inner peace while performing Umrah in a spiritual atmosphere.

He said: “Tears of joy streamed down my face as I prayed and thanked God for granting me this blessed spiritual journey. These moments will remain among the most precious in my life.”

Altay Kerimov from Bulgaria praised the comprehensive services and organization provided to program guests from their arrival in the Kingdom until the completion of their Umrah rituals. He highlighted the seamless services, from reception and smooth transportation and accommodation procedures to religious and organizational guidance inside the Grand Mosque, which allowed pilgrims to focus on worship in an atmosphere of tranquility and reassurance.

The program’s guests extended their gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, for their generous hospitality and care since their arrival in the Kingdom. They also thanked the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, and Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance and General Supervisor of the King Salman Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, for the excellent organization, meticulous preparation, and the provision of services and facilities that made it easier to perform rituals and participate in the program’s cultural and educational activities.