Photo: Chinse Consulate-General in Jeddah

The first group of Chinese Muslims has safely arrived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj of 2023, according to the China Islamic Association, resuming the pilgrimage which was suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The first group of 386 Chinese pilgrims set off from Yinchuan in Northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on a chartered flight and arrived at the Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport (Madinah Airport) in Medina, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday afternoon. 

On the same day, another chartered flight taking off in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province also arrived in Medina. 

Wang Qimin, consul general of the Chinse Consulate-General in Jeddah, and Ma Zhongping, vice president and secretary general of the China Islamic Association, welcomed the pilgrims at the airport. 

Wang congratulated the safe arrival of the first group of Chinese pilgrims to Medina and expressed hope that everyone would carry out the pilgrimage activities in an organized and orderly manner under the organization and management of the pilgrimage group, showcasing the good international image of Chinese Muslims. 

This year, the China Islamic Association has dispatched more than 60 staff members to provide comprehensive services in guidance, medication and epidemic prevention, security, catering, transportation, accommodation and sightseeing for the pilgrims.

Global Times