First Flights of Pilgrims Hosted under Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Guests Program Arrive in Madinah

Worshippers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
Worshippers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
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First Flights of Pilgrims Hosted under Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Guests Program Arrive in Madinah

Worshippers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
Worshippers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)

The first flights of pilgrims hosted under the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Guests Program arrived in Madinah after having performed Hajj in Makkah.

Other people who performed the pilgrimage under this program are expected to arrive in Madinah by bus this week.

Under the program, 4,951 people from 92 countries have performed Hajj this year. They include 1,000 members of the families of Palestinian martyrs and injured, 1,000 members of the families of Saudi martyred and injured in Operation Decisive Storm, 1,000 members of families of Yemeni martyrs and injured, 280 Syrians, 150 Yemenis, and 91 other pilgrims.

The 28-year program is organized yearly under the supervision of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

Since its launch, it has hosted over 62,000 pilgrims from 140 countries. The program services include receiving pilgrims at points of entry into the Kingdom, providing housing at and transportation between the holy sites, and organizing pilgrims' visits to Madinah before they depart for their countries.



Saudi Defense Minister Attends Elite Special Forces Exercise in Northwestern Region

The Saudi Minister of Defense witnessed an exercise by the Elite Special Forces (ESF) in the Northwestern Region. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Defense witnessed an exercise by the Elite Special Forces (ESF) in the Northwestern Region. SPA
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Saudi Defense Minister Attends Elite Special Forces Exercise in Northwestern Region

The Saudi Minister of Defense witnessed an exercise by the Elite Special Forces (ESF) in the Northwestern Region. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Defense witnessed an exercise by the Elite Special Forces (ESF) in the Northwestern Region. SPA

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has witnessed an exercise by the Elite Special Forces (ESF) in the Northwestern Region.
Thursday’s exercise commenced with the Royal Anthem upon the minister’s arrival. The director of the Joint Special Operations Center then briefed Prince Khalid on the center’s roles and responsibilities.
A key highlight of the event was a visual presentation showcasing the ESF's advanced technical and organizational capabilities, which embody the ministry’s vision to develop highly prepared specialized forces.
Prince Khalid reviewed the scenario of the exercise, which built upon previous drills and focused on the operational deployment of ESF personnel in diverse environments for specialized missions.
The minister observed the live implementation of the exercise from its main platform. Following the exercise, a commemorative photograph was taken, and the minister addressed the participants.
The event concluded with the minister honoring the ESF participants and receiving a commemorative gift.