Saudi Embassy bids farewell to 20 Nigerians for 2025 Umrah programme

The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Abuja has organized a farewell ceremony for 20 Nigerians chosen to participate in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Programme for Umrah 2025.

The event, led by Saudi Ambassador Faisal Al-Ghamdi, noted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Muslims and fostering spiritual connections through pilgrimage.

In a statement issued by the embassy, the programme, initiated by King Salman Al Saud, provides full sponsorship for Muslims to perform the lesser Hajj (Umrah). The ambassador expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their dedication to serving Islam’s holy sites and enhancing the pilgrimage experience for Muslims globally.

“The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince have prioritised the well-being of pilgrims, viewing it as a sacred duty and an immense honour. Through this programme, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen bonds of brotherhood among Muslims while ensuring their comfort and safety during their spiritual journey,” Al-Ghamdi said.

The statement also noted Saudi Arabia’s investment of over $100 billion in modernising and expanding the two holy mosques, incorporating state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced crowd management systems, and cutting-edge technology to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims.

The ambassador emphasized the importance of adhering to Saudi laws and regulations to maintain order and ensure the safety of all pilgrims.

Guests at the ceremony expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to embark on the spiritual journey with all costs, including travel and accommodation, fully covered by the programme.