Pilgrims began to arrive in our country as early as this month. They came by boat, plane and road; they came in order to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam — the Haj.
These pilgrims left their countries and their families with one thing only in their mind — the holy mission they were going to perform.
With desire and longing, they came to this country of the Two Holy Mosques; here their mission can be accomplished. We say to them, welcome to the land of the Holy Prophet among your brothers in Islam.
Here the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia makes everything available to facilitate Haj. Services are available everywhere in Makkah and Madinah to help them perform Haj.
All our borders are ready to welcome and serve our visitors. It is our duty, as citizens of this country, to do what is necessary for the pilgrims in any way that will enhance the reputation of our country and our shared religion.
We must stand side by side with Haj officials who work day and night to serve the pilgrims. It is a big responsibility on their shoulders as well as on ours. We have to deal with all the pilgrims with the utmost care and consideration, whether it is at entry points, in markets or when they are traveling in the Kingdom.
This is of the greatest importance so that when they leave us, they will remember fondly the experiences they had in this country as a result of how they were treated by the people. Welcome to the pilgrims.
Arab News From the Local Press 15 January 2003
