Algeria’s Hadj mission joins Saudi crown Prince at major Mecca gathering

At the heart of the annual Hadj season in Mecca, Algeria’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Wakfs, Youcef Belmehdi, joined a high-level gathering hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday evening.

Held at the Royal Court in Mina under the patronage of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the traditional reception brought together Islamic scholars, religious leaders and heads of Hajj missions from across the Muslim world during the 1447/2026 pilgrimage season.

The event highlighted Saudi Arabia’s massive logistical efforts to manage one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings, with a focus on pilgrim safety, organization and comfort throughout the sacred journey in Mecca.

This year, more than 41,000 Algerian pilgrims performed Hajj under the supervision of a multi-sector Algerian mission tasked with guiding worshippers and ensuring services throughout their stay in the holy sites.