Key points
- Doyof Al Rehman means “guests of the most merciful”
- What makes Saudi Arabia’s hospitality so unique is how it transcends modern definitions
- It guides the services of Saudi Arabia government agencies dealing with pilgrims
ISLAMABAD: In a heartwarming moment that recently captured the internet’s attention, a video featuring a Saudi Ministry of Interior officer warmly welcoming pilgrims went viral — a living example of the Kingdom’s deeply rooted culture of hospitality, known as Doyof Al Rehman.
Translated as “Guests of the Most Merciful,” Doyof Al Rehman is not just a phrase, but a sacred duty embedded in the Saudi consciousness, according to Saudipedia, an encyclopedia-style source of information on Saudi Arabia.
A warm welcome from Saudi MOI officer ensuring ease and tranquility for Al-Rahman Guests.#Hajj1446 | #EaseAndTranquility | #SaudiMOI | #Nusuk pic.twitter.com/fWqqcJk8M5
— Saudi On Demand (@SaudiTVEN) June 2, 2025
“It reflects an Islamic value and centuries-old Arabian tradition of receiving pilgrims — not just with logistical precision but with heartfelt honour and care,” it says.
Noble human bond
According to Saudipedia, the act of hosting — whether family, friends, or total strangers — is viewed in Saudi society as a noble human bond. Hospitality is seen as a virtue, even a form of healthy competition, as people strive to offer their guests the most generous welcome possible.
But what makes Saudi Arabian hospitality so unique is how it transcends modern definitions.
In Arabic tradition, a guest is often an uninvited traveller who becomes an honoured presence simply by arriving. This spirit of open-heartedness extends on a national level to the millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, regarded not merely as tourists or travellers, but as divine guests.
Helping with calm, dignity
The recent video, widely shared across social media, shows a Saudi officer helping pilgrims with calm and dignity, drawing praise from viewers for embodying the values of compassion, respect, and serenity. It’s a simple yet powerful portrayal of how ancient values continue to guide modern Saudi service to the guests of Allah.
