This year’s Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit witnessed touching human moments that revived academic memories and long-standing personal connections in Makkah and the holy sites.
Indian academic Kamaluddin Al-Hamidi reflected on his years studying in Saudi Arabia nearly five decades ago while performing Hajj as part of the royal guests program.
Al-Hamidi, who earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Islamic University of Madinah, said his educational journey in the Kingdom played a major role in shaping his academic career and later helped him co-found a university, expand Qur’an schools, and build mosques in India.
He praised the organization and hospitality provided through the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, emphasizing the Kingdom’s continued leadership in serving Muslims and caring for the Two Holy Mosques.
In another emotional moment, Mohammed Sheikh reunited in Makkah with his former professor Kenny Mohammed after many years apart.
Sheikh said meeting his former mentor among the king’s guests brought back memories of education, guidance, and academic mentorship, adding that the program goes beyond hosting pilgrims by creating lasting human connections.
Both guests praised the advanced services and organization provided throughout Makkah and the holy sites, saying the facilities reflect the Kingdom’s strong commitment to serving pilgrims and ensuring a smooth spiritual experience.
Around 2,500 pilgrims from 104 countries arrived at the holy sites under the program on the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah, while Minister of Islamic Affairs Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh affirmed that the Kingdom continues to dedicate all resources to serving pilgrims.
