RIYADH: The second group of King Salman’s guests from Asian countries recently arrived in the Kingdom to perform Umrah under a program to host a number of Muslims from around the world at his expense.

A source at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance said 250 guests (both male and female) from Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore were in this second group, which is preceded by the first group, consisting of 250 pilgrims on June 8.

The Umrah program is another service for deserving Muslims from across the globe as part of the annual project under which the king hosts deserving pilgrims at his expense from various countries, including foreign dignitaries.

The king’s guests were received by officials from the Islamic Affairs Ministry who are tasked with providing a comprehensive program for these special guests.

On arrival, they expressed their happiness and gratitude for the hospitality and valuable gesture from the king to perform Umrah and visit various important places in the two holy cities.

They also referred to the generosity of King Salman in hosting them at his expense, describing the program as an extension of the continuous services to Islam and Muslims by leaders of the Kingdom since it was founded.

The head of the working committee, Yousef Al-Humaid, assured the guests of the department’s commitment to provide facilities needed to perform the rituals in ease and comfort.

He said the issuance of the royal order for Umrah and the program is under the guidance of Islamic Affairs Minister Saleh Al-Asheikh, who is the general supervisor in charge of hosting the program.

According to him, the guests are in Madinah where they will visit a number of religious institutions, including Quba Mosque, King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Qur’an, and other important landmarks.

In Makkah they will visit the plant that produces the black cover of Kaaba, the Museum of the Two Holy Mosques, and will meet Grand Mosque imams.