Iran, Saudi Officials Emphasize Improving Services for Iranian Pilgrims

IQNA – Iran and Saudi Arabia have pledged to deepen their coordination on pilgrimage services, following a meeting between their officials in Riyadh focused on improving infrastructure and logistics for Iranian Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.

In his meeting with the Saudi Minister of Interior Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, which was held in the presence of the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Riyadh, Head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization Alireza Rashidian emphasized the development of joint coordination and the continuation of executive cooperation to provide better services to Iranian pilgrims during Umrah and Hajj seasons. 

Rashidian explained the plans made for the upcoming Hajj and Umrah dispatches and said providing accommodation, transportation and executive services infrastructure for pilgrims from the Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the main axes of cooperation between the two countries.

“We appreciate the efforts of the high-ranking officials of Saudi Arabia in this regard,” he stated.

Referring to the discussions held with officials from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, he said with the continuation of this cooperation and joint pursuit, it is expected that the service delivery process will be as smooth and orderly as last year, and the satisfaction of Iranian pilgrims will increase in the 2026 Hajj.

Rashidian also raised issues such as increasing the quota, improving the route from Mina to Jamarat, coordinating services in the holy sites, and facilitating administrative processes.

The Saudi Interior Minister also emphasized the role of constructive relations between the two countries and said the king and crown prince of Saudi Arabia are proud to serve the guests of God and will use all his capacities to ensure the security, comfort, and tranquility of the pilgrims.

He added that “maintaining the security of pilgrims from all Islamic countries is our priority, and while appreciating the cooperation of Iranian officials and pilgrims, we assure that the relevant agencies will provide the utmost support to resolve the issues raised.”

The Saudi Interior Minister emphasized, “We have undoubtedly witnessed excellent coordination and cooperation from Iranian pilgrims in recent years, and the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has certainly paid attention to this matter. We are optimistic about all your efforts and your team, and God willing, the (2026) Hajj will be carried out well for your pilgrims."

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