JEDDAH: Dr. Tawfig bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah for Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday called on the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, at the OIC General Secretariat headquarters. The meeting aimed to discuss Saudi Arabia’s preparations and initiatives for the upcoming Hajj season and strengthen collaboration between the OIC and Saudi Arabia in facilitating the pilgrimage.
During the welcoming speech, Mr. Hissein Taha expressed gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince, Prince Muhammad bin Salman, the Saudi government, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and all state sectors for their commendable efforts in ensuring a smooth experience for pilgrims and visitors of the Two Holy Mosques. He acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s commitment to overcoming challenges and utilizing its resources to prioritize the health and safety of pilgrims while providing a spiritually fulfilling journey.
Minister Al-Rabiah engaged with delegates, permanent representatives, and consuls general from OIC member states and subsidiary organs. The discussions focused on Saudi Arabia’s efforts and arrangements for this year’s Hajj, including initiatives and procedures aimed at ensuring optimal conditions for pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and reassurance.
OIC as a Platform for Muslim Community
Dr. Al-Rabiah emphasized the special position of the OIC as a platform for the Muslim community and highlighted the Kingdom’s long-standing commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques. He praised the successful collaboration of various agencies within the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem, resulting in significant achievements in health services, organization, logistics, and security. He also highlighted key projects such as the Pilgrim Experience Program, the expansion of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the construction of the Two Holy Mosques train, and the development of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
The Saudi government has implemented various initiatives and regulations to enhance the Hajj services and reduce costs for pilgrims. These include a significant reduction in insurance costs for Umrah performers and pilgrims, the “Makkah Route” initiative aimed at minimizing waiting times at airports, and the issuance of visas in less than 24 hours. The extension of the Umrah visa to 90 days, the introduction of a four-day transit visa, and the launch of the “Nusuk” platform have also facilitated travel and enriched the spiritual experience of visitors.
Ambassador Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, speaking on behalf of the permanent representatives, praised the Kingdom’s continuous efforts in providing services and expansions to the Two Holy Mosques. He highlighted the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims and visitors, dating back to the reign of King Abdulaziz.
The meeting concluded with a screening of the movie “The Journey of a Lifetime,” which depicted the Hajj experience in a simple and engaging manner.
