The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, recently visited the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s headquarters in Jeddah to meet with the OIC Secretary-General, Hissein Brahim Taha, delegates, representatives, and consuls of OIC member states and its subsidiary institutions. The major topic of discussion was the efforts and arrangements made by Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj. The minister briefed his interlocutors on the initiatives and procedures taken to provide the best conditions for pilgrims to perform their rituals comfortably.
According to the minister, health, organizational, service, logistical, and security authorities have played a vital role in ensuring successful Hajj and Umrah performances, in addition to the Pilgrim Experience Program, one of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives, launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The program aims to improve pilgrims’ experiences by raising the level of services provided.
Dr. Al-Rabiah also highlighted major projects aimed at serving pilgrims, such as the expansion of the Grand Holy Mosque, which is the largest construction project in history, costing over SAR200 billion. Additionally, the establishment of the Al-Haramain High-Speed Railway, which reduced the travel time from Makkah to Madinah to about two hours, has helped to improve pilgrims’ travel and movement. The development of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, at a cost of over SAR64 billion, and the enhancement of historical mosques and Islamic archaeological sites, have also contributed to creating a rich pilgrim experience.
Taha expressed his gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Arabian Government, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and all state sectors for their efforts in facilitating the necessary procedures for pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques.
Ambassador of Djibouti to Saudi Arabia, and its permanent representative to OIC, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama delivered a speech on behalf of the permanent representatives, commending the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s services and expansions to the Two Holy Mosques and holy sites, from its founding by the late King Abdulaziz until the present day.
