Friday, January 24, 2025 The third batch of pilgrims invited by a Saudi royal programme for Umrah has arrived in Medina, beginning their spiritual 10-day journey in Saudi Arabia . Cairo: The third group of pilgrims invited under a Saudi royal initiative to perform Umrah, or the minor pilgrimage, has started their spiritual journey, arriving in Medina, home to Islam’s second holiest site. This marks the first stop in their enriching 10-day journey.
The group includes a 22-member Egyptian delegation, leading the 250 pilgrims from 18 African nations participating in this batch. Other countries represented are Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Mali, Senegal, Cameroon, Chad, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Guinea, Mozambique, and Mauritania. Upon arrival at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina, the pilgrims were warmly received by officials from the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
This initiative is part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Programme for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, approved by Saudi King Salman. It aims to host 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from 66 countries during the current Islamic year 1446. The programme, supervised by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, provides comprehensive support to the pilgrims, from their departure in their home countries to their return after completing the rituals.
The programme spans four phases througho.