Arabs have a long-standing tradition of hospitality, treating guests with the utmost respect.
This value remains strong in Saudi Arabia, where generosity extends beyond family gatherings and friend visits to include the Hajj pilgrims and Umrah performers. For them, the Kingdom becomes a second home, with open doors and hearts.
In northern Saudi Arabia, near border crossings that welcome travelers from neighboring countries, the Association for Pilgrims and Umrah Services plays a key role.
Founded by a group of dedicated volunteers and experts, the association focuses on ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims at the start of their journey.
The association operates at key border points like Jadeedah Arar and Al-Hadithah, the main entry points for pilgrims coming by land from countries such as Iraq, Jordan, Palestine and Syria.
Close by, the association has set up a fully equipped city for pilgrims, offering a field hospital, relaxation areas, food services and guidance to make their spiritual journey easier.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Badr Al-Shammari, the chairman of the board of directors of the Association for Pilgrims and Umrah Services in Al-Jawf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat: “We are the first point of contact for pilgrims arriving from the north. Our goal is to provide an exceptional experience, ensuring pilgrims feel safe and comfortable, with all the medical and food services they need.”
The association goes beyond basic services, launching innovative projects to tackle challenges. One key initiative is the mobile workshop for fixing broken buses on the route between border crossings and Madinah. The team is always ready to respond quickly, reducing delays and easing the journey for pilgrims.
From the moment pilgrims arrive at the association's site, the team works with local government agencies to provide continuous care and services around the clock.
If pilgrims face health issues, they are immediately examined at the field hospital. For more serious conditions, they are transferred to nearby public hospitals.
One touching story that highlights the association’s humanitarian work involved an elderly pilgrim who fell ill and was taken to a health center by the association's team.
After receiving initial treatment at the field hospital, he was transferred to a public hospital. Once he recovered, he asked how to pay for the medical services he had received. He was surprised to learn that all services were free, as directed by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
Moved, the pilgrim told the team: “I never expected such care and services. Everything was organized, and the staff truly cared about my comfort. I pray that God protects this country and its people.”
At a Hajj and Umrah Conference in Jeddah, Al-Shammari explained that the association’s mission goes beyond providing daily services.
“Our work is a noble mission aimed at fully supporting the guests and helping them perform their rituals easily and comfortably. This is a great honor,” he stressed.
