JEDDAH,  Saudi Arabia, Jan 13: On Sunday, Kuwaiti Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohammad Al-Wasmi, and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, signed an agreement in Jeddah to organize the affairs of Kuwaiti pilgrims for the Hajj season of 1446 AH. This signing took place a day before the launch of the fourth Hajj Conference and Exhibition.

In a statement to KUNA after the signing, Minister Al-Wasmi explained that the agreement includes contracts for transportation, catering, and housing services for the Kuwaiti pilgrims. He emphasized the commitment to adhering to all general regulations governing Hajj affairs in the Kingdom and highlighted the importance of educating pilgrims about the necessary instructions and procedures to be followed. He also praised the Kingdom's efforts in serving pilgrims and the significant developments in the Hajj system.

The agreement stipulates that the Hajj Affairs Office and all organizers must ensure that citizens are informed about the requirement of having a permit to perform Hajj. The agreement also prohibits the entry of unauthorized pilgrims into the holy sites, as well as the sheltering or transportation of such individuals by the Hajj Affairs Office.

The fourth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition will officially begin in Jeddah on Monday, under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The event, which runs until January 16, will be organized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in cooperation with the Guests of God Service Program. This strategic and comprehensive platform aims to exchange knowledge, enhance competitiveness, and promote transparency among service providers in this vital sector.

The Kuwaiti delegation present at the signing ceremony included Minister Al-Wasmi, Director of the Minister's Office Dr. Talal Al-Mudaij, Director of the Hajj and Umrah Department Sattam Al-Muzain, Supervisor of the Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah Muhammad Al-Saeedi, and legal specialist Khalid Al-Omara from the Ministry of Awqaf's office. Also present were the Consul General of Kuwait in Saudi Arabia, Yousef Al-Taneeb, and Diplomatic Attaché Saleh Al-Saeed.