A working session between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia took place at the Ministry of Religious Affairs to discuss the organization of the Hajj and improving services for pilgrims. Tunisian Minister of Religious Affairs Ahmed Al-Bouhali and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah led the discussions. This meeting occurred during Dr. Al-Rabiah's working visit to Tunisia, which began on October 6, 2026.
The two ministers reviewed ways to enhance services for pilgrims, with Al-Bouhali presenting several requests to the Saudi side. Some of these requests were made directly, while others will be studied to ensure pilgrim satisfaction and facilitate their spiritual journey. The meeting was attended by several officials, including the Head of the Presidential Palace, Ghafran Al-Sahli, and the General Director of the National Services and Residences Company, Essam Al-Hamami.
Al-Bouhali welcomed Dr. Al-Rabiah and his delegation, highlighting the strong relations between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, which are based on shared language and religion. He praised the high level of services provided during the Hajj and the efforts of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj in serving pilgrims. Al-Bouhali also presented an overview of the stages completed in organizing the current Hajj season, expressing gratitude for the cooperation between various Tunisian institutions.
Dr. Al-Rabiah expressed his satisfaction with the visit and the warm reception, emphasizing the long-standing relationship between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. He discussed the vision of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for Saudi Arabia 2030, which aims to enable millions of Muslims to perform Hajj and Umrah with ease by developing infrastructure and digital services.
Dr. Al-Rabiah was impressed by Tunisia's organization of the Hajj and the development of awareness programs for pilgrims. He noted that it is not surprising that Tunisia's Hajj office has maintained advanced rankings in the "Lbaytum" awards for three consecutive years. The meeting was also attended by several Saudi officials, including Assistant Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Hassan Al-Manakhera.
As part of his visit, Dr. Al-Rabiah visited the Ktabet and Quran Karim exhibition in the Imam Ali bin Ziyad mausoleum and the Zaytuna Mosque. He also toured the old city of Tunis, accompanied by history experts who presented the architectural and historical significance of the city. Additionally, he visited the Baron Deiranji Palace and Sidi Bou Said village.
Dr. Al-Rabiah expressed his admiration for Tunisia's historical significance and cultural diversity. He departed Tunisia on the morning of October 8, 2026, after a working visit that began on October 6. The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia in the field of Hajj organization and pilgrim services.
Key points
- Tunisia and Saudi Arabia convene to enhance Hajj services and organization
- The two countries aim to improve pilgrim satisfaction and facilitate their spiritual journey
- Dr. Al-Rabiah visits Tunisia to discuss Hajj organization and services as part of Saudi Arabia's 2030 vision
