A working session between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia was held 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. The meeting was part of Dr. Al-Rabiah's working visit to Tunisia. The two sides exchanged views on enhancing services for pilgrims, with Al-Bouhali presenting some demands to the Saudi side.
During the session, Al-Bouhali welcomed Dr. Al-Rabiah and his delegation, highlighting the strong ties between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, including their shared language and religion. He praised the high level of services provided during Hajj and the efforts of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj in catering to pilgrims. Al-Bouhali emphasized that serving pilgrims is a sacred trust and a historical responsibility. He also presented an overview of the stages completed in organizing the current Hajj season.
Dr. Al-Rabiah expressed his satisfaction with the visit and the warm reception, noting the long-standing relationship between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia based on mutual respect, cooperation, and exchange of visits. 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 easily by developing infrastructure and digital services. Dr. Al-Rabiah also praised Tunisia's organization of Hajj and the development of awareness programs for pilgrims.
The working session was attended by several officials, including the Head of the Diwan, Ghafran Al-Sahli, and the General Manager of the National Services and Residences Company, Essam Al-Hamami. Representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, and Religious Affairs, as well as the Tunisian Airlines, were also present. The Saudi delegation included Assistant Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Hassan Al-Munakhara and Ambassador to Tunisia Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Breithen.
As part of his visit, Dr. Al-Rabiah was invited by Minister Al-Bouhali to visit the Ktabet and Quran Karim exhibition at the Imam Ali bin Ziyad mausoleum and the Zeytouna Mosque. He also toured the old city, accompanied by history experts who presented the architectural and historical significance of the area. Additionally, Dr. Al-Rabiah visited the Baron Deurclange Palace and Sidi Bou Said village, expressing his admiration for Tunisia's historical richness and cultural diversity.
The visit concluded with a meeting between Minister Al-Bouhali and Dr. Al-Rabiah, during which they discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and enhance services for pilgrims. The Saudi minister departed Tunisia on Thursday morning, marking the end of his working visit that began on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
The discussions between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia aimed to improve the overall experience for pilgrims, with a focus on organization, services, and infrastructure. The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation and mutual respect, reflecting their strong historical ties. The visit demonstrated the ongoing efforts to enhance the Hajj experience and provide better services for pilgrims.
Key points
- Tunisia and Saudi Arabia convene to discuss Hajj organization and pilgrim services
- The two countries aim to enhance services and infrastructure for pilgrims
- The visit reflects the strong historical ties and cooperation between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia
