MADINAH — Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance welcomed the first group of 250 male and female pilgrims under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit upon their arrival in Madinah on Thursday.The first group includes pilgrims from 16 Asian countries: Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mongolia.The pilgrims were received by Acting Secretary-General of the program Ali Al-Zughaibi and a number of program officials, who oversaw the completion of arrival procedures and their transfer to accommodation at a hotel near the Prophet's Mosque as part of an integrated services and hospitality program.The guests expressed their appreciation to the Saudi leadership for the opportunity to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet's Mosque, praising the Kingdom's continued efforts to serve Islam, Muslims and the Guests of Allah.They also commended the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for implementing the program, saying the initiative reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to serving Muslims around the world while promoting the values of moderation, tolerance and Islamic solidarity.The ministry said it has prepared a comprehensive cultural and educational program for the guests, including meetings, tours and visits designed to enrich their spiritual and cultural experience during their stay in the Kingdom.