The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by its branch in the Madinah region, announced the intensification of its efforts and the continuation of its comprehensive awareness and guidance services for pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom through Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport. This step comes as part of an integrated system of services provided by the Kingdom to ensure that pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors can perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind, from their arrival in the Kingdom until their departure.
Historical background of serving the pilgrims
Since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has devoted itself to serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, a duty it considers both an honor and a historical responsibility. Madinah, the second holiest city in Islam, serves as a major gateway, welcoming millions of visitors annually. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs plays a key role in implementing this vision by providing moderate religious guidance based on the Quran and Sunnah, and by facilitating the understanding of religious rites for pilgrims from around the world, who speak diverse languages and come from diverse cultures.
Integrated guidance services at reception points
The Ministry's efforts are focused at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport through specialized awareness points in arrival halls 1 and 5. These points are staffed by qualified preachers and translators who welcome visitors and answer their religious inquiries related to Umrah and visitation rituals. Services provided include the distribution of a wide range of printed and digital informational materials.
The distributed materials include brochures and guides in several major world languages, including Arabic, Urdu, Pashto, English, Indonesian, Russian, and Persian, to ensure that accurate and reliable information reaches the widest possible audience of visitors. Among the most prominent publications distributed are "A Concise Guide to Hajj, Umrah, and Visiting the Prophet's Mosque" and "The Pilgrim's Guide," in addition to brochures explaining the rituals of Umrah and selected supplications. This contributes to educating visitors about the rules and etiquette of the rituals in a simple and accessible manner.
The importance of the initiative and its expected impact
These efforts are of paramount importance on several levels. Domestically, these services reflect the wise leadership's commitment to providing the highest levels of care for pilgrims and align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience and enrich their religious journey. Internationally, these initiatives reinforce the Kingdom's position as the heart of the Islamic world and present a civilized image of moderate and tolerant Islam. They also contribute to building bridges of cultural and religious communication with the peoples of the world and ensure that visitors return home with a positive impression and a complete spiritual experience.
Digital transformation in guidance services
To keep pace with technological advancements, the Ministry has provided visitors with a barcode for the "Islamic Electronic Library," granting them instant access to thousands of reliable books and scholarly materials in multiple languages via their smart devices. This digital transformation enhances the continuity of knowledge and enables pilgrims to enrich their understanding of Islamic law throughout their stay and after returning home.
