Hajj virtues for young visitors program was inaugurated; aims to raise awareness by guiding and educating young tourists about the benefits of Hajj

On Wednesday, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques launched the "Hajj Virtues for young visitors" program. The program's goal is to raise awareness by guiding and educating young tourists about the benefits of Hajj and to improve their experience at Makkah's Grand Mosque.

Last Friday, almost 2 million Muslims from around the world completed their Hajj rituals, culminating in three days of Rami Al-Jamarat, or the stoning of the devil ritual, at the Jamarat complex in Mina. The pilgrims then repaired to the Grand Mosque and conducted Tawaf, the Holy Kaaba's circumambulation.

Foreign pilgrims who were in Makkah previous to the Hajj have gone on to Madinah, while those who stayed in Madinah prior to the trip, tented at the tent city of Mina, are now in Makkah till they leave the Kingdom. According to Saud Al-Zahrani, Director General of the General Administration of Social Services, the administration is responsible for caring for the children of pilgrims and visitors at the Grand Mosque through its young visitor services, which include educating them and enriching their experience in support of the General Presidency's 2024 development plan.

Al-Zahrani went on to say that the General Presidency offers smart wristbands for youngsters at the mosque's major gates that feature the contact details of their parents or companions to assist prevent them from going missing. The program also directs visitors to specific areas of the Grand Mosque and public amenities, teaching them about Hajj, prayer, and ablution. It also supports social activities in service to guests through awareness and advice programs to provide a pleasant experience.

The authorities also opened the first day-care center for young children at Makkah's Grand Mosque this year. Thousands of pilgrims do Hajj each year with their children, making it a familiar experience for the youngest Muslims but creating obstacles for parents.

For some, leaving their children behind is not an option, while for others, bringing their children along is an essential step in including them in religious practices from a young age, as well as providing a pivotal, formative memory and experience to share with them.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah declared the start of the Umrah season on Wednesday by launching the issuing of electronic visas. This permits worshippers to begin arriving in the Kingdom on July 19, the first day of Muharram. According to the ministry, applications for e-visas can be submitted using the Nusuk portal.