Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Umrah and Visit Program thank Saudi Arabia for warm reception, generous hospitality

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The interviewees came from several countries including Albania, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, the UK, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. (SPA)
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The interviewees came from several countries including Albania, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, the UK, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. (SPA)
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Updated 10 February 2024
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Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Umrah and Visit Program thank Saudi Arabia for warm reception, generous hospitality

  • A number of Umrah performers in the second batch of the program, which included 250 prominent Islamic female and male figures from European and South American countries, were interviewed by the Saudi Press Agency

MAKKAH: The guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Umrah and Visit Program, which is supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, have expressed thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the generous hospitality and warm reception given to them since their arrival in the country as guests of the program.

A number of Umrah performers in the second batch of the program, which included 250 prominent Islamic female and male figures from European and South American countries, were interviewed by the Saudi Press Agency.

Dr. Nasser Al-Kilani, from the Romanian delegation, praised the facilities, and said: “We feel joy and happiness as we spend great days in Makkah and the holy sites, feeling the holiness of place and time, especially while we are next to the Holy Kaaba.”

Aydin Muhammad Bostanji, who hails from northern Greece, expressed his thanks to the Kingdom’s leadership, and added: “We have seen and felt the best hosting following our arrival until now, and we cannot forget this visit. It is a dream that has come true for us as we found warmth, honor and interest from those in charge of the program, in addition to the treatment of security personnel who provided us with all love and appreciation, whether in Makkah or Madinah.”

Dr. Khaled Lamtairi, a member of the Romanian delegation, praised the development of services provided to guests of the program, and asked Allah to reward the leadership of the Kingdom for its efforts and all it provides to serve Islam and Muslims.

The interviewees came from several countries including Albania, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, the UK, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia.

 

 


Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah

Updated 23 December 2025
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Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah

  • The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz

RIYADH: A new center for Arabic calligraphy under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially opened in Madinah on Monday.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, governor of Madinah region.

He was joined by Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, touring the new facility’s exhibition spaces and receiving briefings on cultural programming and the center’s achievements.

They also viewed collections highlighting Arabic calligraphy’s artistic and historical importance.

Speaking at the opening, Prince Badr said: “From this land of enlightenment and scholarship, we proudly launch a global platform dedicated to Arabic calligraphy as an invaluable cultural asset.”

He went on to credit the crown prince’s “generous and boundless support” for the cultural sector.

The minister said that the center demonstrated to the world the legacy of Arabic calligraphy while underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural identity and heritage.

According to Prince Badr, the facility represents an ambitious vision to elevate Arabic calligraphy as both a universal communication tool and an integral element of Arab heritage, art, architecture and design.

The center further aims to enhance the Kingdom’s cultural identity and strengthen its international presence, targeting calligraphers, emerging talents, visual artists, Islamic arts researchers, educational and cultural institutions, as well as art and heritage enthusiasts worldwide.

It will deliver specialized programs including research and archival services, calligraphy instruction, academic grants, a permanent museum, touring exhibitions, an international calligraphy association and a business incubator supporting calligraphy enterprises.

Additional offerings feature artist residency programs, expert-led workshops, and standardized curriculum development, complemented by international educational partnerships aimed at heritage conservation and expanding global appreciation for this time-honored art form.

The center’s establishment in Madinah carries particular significance, given the city’s historical role as the cradle of Arabic calligraphy and its association with transcribing the Qur’an and preserving Islamic knowledge.