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.



GCC, Council of Europe Discuss Enhancing Strategic Partnership

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
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GCC, Council of Europe Discuss Enhancing Strategic Partnership

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

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi met on Wednesday with Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

Albudaiwi and Berset explored ways to enhance the Gulf-European strategic partnership to advance mutual interests.

They also discussed the Joint Action Program 2022-2027 between the GCC and the EU, which outlines effective mechanisms and proposals for collaboration across various sectors, including political, security, and economic areas.

AlBudaiwi also met Wednesday with South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Bang Moon-Kyu in Davos.

They discussed several topics, most notably the developments related to the free-trade agreement between the GCC countries and South Korea, and ways to enhance Gulf-South Korean partnerships in various vital sectors that contribute to creating new opportunities for constructive cooperation.

The meeting also addressed enhancing strategic dialogue with South Korea through the fields of cooperation outlined in the joint action plan between the GCC and South Korea.