The Saudi government has invited 1,000 prominent Muslim personalities from across the world in 2024 to perform Umrah or a minor pilgrimage.

The programme of Umrah and Hajj are undertaken by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs named after Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, and the invitations to the programme have been sent to invitees after receiving the green signal from the King.

Saudi Arabia received the first group on Thursday consisting of 250 pilgrims, reported a state-run news agency.

The invitees came from 14 countries in Asia including Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Minister of Islamic Affairs Abdul Latif Al-Sheikh said scholars, clerics, influential personalities, university professors, and prominent figures are included in 1,000 invitees from around the world.

The programme will be hosted under the custodian of two holy mosques, where guests will perform Umrah at the grand mosque of Makkah, and offer prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, the holiest place for Muslims.

The official said that they are fully prepared to receive 1,000 guests and officials.

Saudi Arabia unveiled host facilities for Muslims willing to come to the country to perform Umrah.

In a recent facilitating step, Saudi Arabia allowed its citizens to send invitations to their friends living abroad by applying with Saudi authorities.

The Kingdom said that expatriates residing in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are allowed to apply for tourist visas and they will be able to perform Umrah regardless of their profession.