Saudi Arabia Approves Hosting of 1,000 Umrah Performers from 16 Nations under Guests Program The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has approved the hosting of 1,000 male and female Umrah performers from around the world under the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit. The initiative, to be implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, will be carried out in four phases. The first group includes 250 performers from 16 Asian countries: Indonesia, East Timor, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mongolia. Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support in enabling Muslims to perform Umrah and visit holy sites. He emphasized the leadership’s dedication to strengthening Muslim brotherhood and fulfilling the Kingdom’s humanitarian and religious mission to connect with scholars, clerics, and influential figures globally. The program aims to provide ease and peace of mind for participants while fostering international religious ties. US Reopens Embassy in Kuwait Months after Iranian Attack The United States has resumed operations at its embassy in Kuwait after suspending them following attacks by Iran in March 2026. A State Department spokesperson confirmed the resumption of emergency services for American citizens, with other services to be phased in. The embassy had been closed since March, when Iranian drones targeted the mission following US-Israeli strikes on Iran.#strait_of_hormuz #ministry_of_islamic_affairs #king_salman_bin_abdulaziz_al_saud #sheikh_dr_abdullatif_al_alsheikh #crown_prince_mohammed_bin_salman
Custodian Of The Two Holy Mosques Approves Hosting Of 1,000 Umrah Performers The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has authorized the hosting of 1,000 male and female Umrah pilgrims from around the world at his personal expense under the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Programme for Haj, Umrah and Visit. This initiative, managed by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, will be executed in four phases during the 1448 AH year. The first phase includes 250 pilgrims from 16 Asian countries, such as Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Mongolia. Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, highlighted the significance of the initiative, expressing gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their commitment to supporting Islamic communities. He emphasized that the program reflects the leadership’s dedication to fostering unity among Muslims and advancing the Kingdom’s humanitarian and religious mission. The initiative aims to facilitate seamless and peaceful access for pilgrims to perform Umrah and visit holy sites, while also strengthening ties with scholars, clerics, and influential figures across global Muslim communities. The program underscores Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting interfaith dialogue and bridging gaps between Muslim nations. By covering the costs of hosting pilgrims, the initiative ensures that individuals from diverse backgrounds can participate in the pilgrimage without financial barriers.#custodian_of_the_two_holy_mosques #king_salman_bin_abdulaziz_al_saud #sheikh_dr_abdullatif_al_alsheikh #ministry_of_islamic_affairs_dawah_and_guidance #umrah_pilgrims
