Saudi King Approves Hosting 1,000 Umrah Performers from 66 Countries in Guests Program

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
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Saudi King Approves Hosting 1,000 Umrah Performers from 66 Countries in Guests Program

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has approved the hosting of 1,000 individuals from 66 nations to perform Umrah during this year, 1446 AH, as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visitation.

The guests will be received over four groups as part of this program, which is executed and supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

Marking this occasion, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance and General Supervisor of the program, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh, expressed profound gratitude and appreciation towards King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for empowering Muslims from diverse nations worldwide to perform Islamic rituals comfortably and peacefully, covering the expenses personally.
He highlighted that throughout its ongoing journey, the program has extended its reach across various continents, benefiting over 140 countries since its inception. The program's guests enjoy an array of services through a comprehensive system, ensuring a seamless experience from departure to their safe return.



Albudaiwi: GCC Leaders Emphasize Importance of Upholding Sudan's Sovereignty, Stability

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
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Albudaiwi: GCC Leaders Emphasize Importance of Upholding Sudan's Sovereignty, Stability

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi met on Sunday with Sudan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dafallah Al Haj Ali and congratulated him on his appointment as ambassador to the Kingdom, wishing him success in his new duties.
Albudaiwi highlighted the GCC Supreme Council's statement from its 44th session, which underscored the importance of safeguarding Sudan's sovereignty, security, stability, and territorial integrity. He also reaffirmed the GCC's support in addressing the impacts of the ongoing crisis in Sudan.

He emphasized the need for de-escalation, prioritizing dialogue, unifying efforts, and alleviating the hardships faced by the Sudanese people.
Albudaiwi further noted the GCC countries' support for United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2736, issued on June 13, 2024. This resolution stresses the full implementation of the Jeddah Declaration, which emphasizes the commitment to protect civilians in Sudan, the urgent need for a ceasefire, and the resolution of the conflict through dialogue.
He also welcomed the outcomes of the meetings held in Switzerland on August 14, 2024, which aimed to take immediate and practical steps to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people and achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities. Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC's commitment to working with international partners to restore security and stability in Sudan.
He called on all parties to remove any obstacles to humanitarian aid and to ensure its full, rapid, and safe delivery without hindrances. Additionally, Albudaiwi urged adherence to the statement issued by the Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) Group.

This group—which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Switzerland, Egypt, the African Union, and the United Nations—stressed the necessity of ensuring unhindered humanitarian aid delivery and increasing assistance to Darfur.