Saudi Arabia hosts relatives of Palestinian prisoners and martyrs for Hajj pilgrimage
Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance received 500 pilgrims from Gaza on Monday
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program has hosted thousands of Hajj, Umrah pilgrims since establishment in 1996
Updated 02 June 2025
Arab News
MAKKAH: Hundreds of relatives of Palestinian political prisoners and martyrs who have died in the conflict with Israel have arrived to perform Hajj as part of Saudi Arabia’s Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance received 500 pilgrims from Gaza on Monday, bringing the number of those performing Hajj and arriving from Palestine to 1,000.
Palestinian pilgrims arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and were later hosted in the program’s special accommodation in the holy city of Makkah. They praised Saudi Arabia and its leadership for serving Muslims and the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program has hosted thousands of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims since its establishment in 1996.
The program this year is set to host 2,443 Hajj pilgrims from 100 countries. They started arriving in the Kingdom in May.
Flag hoisting, cultural performances, and a reception highlight India–Saudi friendship and growing partnership
Updated 11 sec ago
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: The 77th Republic Day of India was celebrated in Riyadh and Jeddah on Monday.
Th events brought together the Indian community, Saudi dignitaries, and members of the diplomatic corps, highlighting the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia.
The celebrations in Riyadh began with Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan unfurling the tricolour, the singing of the national anthem, and floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s bust.
Khan read the Indian president’s message to the nation and Indians worldwide, followed by cultural performances by schoolchildren and the Indian community.
The performances included special features marking the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, Vande Mataram.
A photo booth highlighting the song’s significance was set up, and later, the ambassador interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and local journalists.
Indian Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri at the 77th Republic Day event in Jeddah on Monday. (X: @CGIJeddah)
In Jeddah, the celebrations began in the morning with the unfurling of the Indian national flag at the Consulate General of India.
Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri read out a message from the president of India, acknowledging the dedication of the Indian diaspora in strengthening ties between the two nations.
Patriotic performances by students from the International Indian School added a festive touch, and the consul general addressed the performers while interacting with community members.
The celebrations continued in the evening with a reception at Al-Sohba Hall, Park Hyatt, attended by consuls general from different countries, along with prominent Saudi and Indian dignitaries.
Fareed bin Saad Al-Shehri, director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the chief guest, said he always feels delighted at such events, which showcase the blending of Saudi and Indian cultures.
The guest of honor was Capt. Ali Salem Al-Mehwari, director-general of the Jeddah Islamic Port.
Speaking to Arab News, the Indian consul general said the reception reflects the strength of India–Saudi Arabia relations and underscores the complementary visions of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and India’s Vision 2047.
“Both countries are working toward inclusive growth, economic diversification, and long-term partnership,” he added.
Suri said: “India and Saudi Arabia share a robust strategic partnership that has strengthened in recent years across trade, investment, energy, education, and cultural exchange.
“Educational and professional cooperation is expanding, people-to-people ties are deepening, and cultural interactions continue to thrive. This partnership is creating long-term opportunities for mutual growth and shared prosperity.”
