Minister Masagos Zulkifli and Saudi Minister Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah reaffirm strong ties, ensuring enhanced support for Singaporean pilgrims during the 2025 Haj.
In a significant step to bolster support for Singaporean pilgrims, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli met with the Saudi Minister of Haj and Umrah, His Excellency Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, in Jeddah on 13 January 2025 to sign the Haj agreement for the upcoming season, scheduled for June 2025. The meeting highlighted the enduring bilateral relationship between Singapore and Saudi Arabia and underscored their shared commitment to ensuring a smooth and meaningful pilgrimage for all.
Minister Masagos expressed his gratitude to the Saudi authorities for their continued hospitality and support. He particularly lauded the Saudi Health Ministry for its guidance in approving the Singapore Pilgrims’ Affairs Office (SPAO) application to operate on-site medical clinics in Mecca, which will provide critical healthcare services for Singaporean pilgrims.
The 2025 Haj season holds immense spiritual significance, as it is one of the five pillars of Islam and a cherished milestone for Muslims worldwide. To ensure a fulfilling experience, Singapore pledged full cooperation with Saudi Arabia to prepare pilgrims for this sacred journey. Minister Masagos assured those not selected this year that efforts are underway to explore opportunities to increase future Haj quotas for Singaporean pilgrims.
The meeting also celebrated the long-standing partnership between the two nations, which has consistently prioritised the well-being of pilgrims. The Saudi authorities have committed to maintaining high standards of organisation and care, ensuring pilgrims benefit from essential amenities and services.
The 2025 Haj season comes at a time of renewed focus on safety and well-being, particularly in light of past challenges posed by extreme weather conditions. Collaborative efforts, including healthcare support and operational coordination, are aimed at addressing these concerns and enhancing the pilgrimage experience.
Source: Mr. Masagos Zulkifli
