Madinah: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has completed preparations to receive the first group of Umrah performers under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit for the year 1448 AH. The group, comprising 250 male and female pilgrims from 16 Asian countries, is set to arrive in Madinah on Wednesday, before proceeding to Makkah to perform Umrah.

According to Saudi Press Agency, this initiative follows the approval of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who has graciously chosen to host 1,000 male and female Umrah performers at his personal expense. Throughout the year, guests will arrive in four distinct groups. The inaugural group includes pilgrims from Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mongolia.

The Ministry has organized a comprehensive program for the guests during their time in Madinah. This program includes visits to significant sites and museums that highlight the Prophet's biography and Islamic civilization, enriching the pilgrims' spiritual journey before they continue to Makkah.