Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Hajj Pilgrims Receive a Warm Saudi Welcome | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Saudi children dressed up in a uniform and welcoming incoming pilgrims with dates and zamzam water as they arrive to Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Saudi Arabia, Asharq Al-Awsat


Jeddah- Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, receives pilgrims who come to perform Hajj rites each year with welcoming programs that start at the point of arrival until departure.

After reaching Makkah, Hajj pilgrims are received with chants, Zamzam water dates and a smile. Upon leaving, they leave with a warm farewell, souvenirs and a beautiful experience etched to their memories of the kingdom and its people.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah single-handedly runs greeting programs and reception of pilgrims, hoping to bring visitors some joy and alleviate the burden of travel and hardship.

Most receptions highlight the heart-warming hospitality of the Kingdom afforded to pilgrims from all over the world.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Mohammed Saleh bin Taher Benten ensured that preparations of government bodies working for the season of Hajj of this year, at King Abdulaziz International Airport are on point for this remarkable occasion.

Preparations included a Hajj Hall dedicated to pilgrims, at the airport, services’ offices and transportation system.

More so, the ministry distributed uniforms worn by reception teams assigned to of each of the arrival halls to receive the pilgrims with the prayer, welcoming chants, Zamzam water, and dates.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Medina carries out the programs under the slogan “We love you, O guest of God”, to receive the pilgrims as they leave the halls of Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz Airport, and the completion of the procedures of passports and customs.

Up until this day, the total number of pilgrims coming to Medina, reached 222,444 pilgrims, while the number of pilgrims who arrived last Friday was 28,754 pilgrims, according to a statistics report prepared by the National Foundation for the presentation.

The statistics showed that 26,931 pilgrims arrived through Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina, and 1,823 pilgrims through other stations.