Jeddah – The Ministry of Culture and Information (MOCI) of Saudi Arabia has launched two digital platforms in the lead-up to the Hajj, which will provide information and insights to pilgrims in Makkah, worldwide audiences and local and international media.

SaudiWelcomesTheWorld.org conveys a message of compassion and inclusion to the en

tire world, both near and far. It tells the stories of the millions of pilgrims of every ethnicity, race, colour, and culture, who undertake what is for many the height of their spiritual lives. The platform provides an open window into their journeys and invites the world to learn and share in the true values of Islam.

It complements the media portal www.Hajj2017.org which provides information, updates and news about Hajj 2017. Through this portal, journalists will be able to access and download media materials such as images, infographics and press releases. The portal will also allow users access to all official live stream channels.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and comprises a journey to Makkah to perform religious rituals described in the Koran. Every adult Muslim is obligated to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lives provided that they are physically and financially able.

More than 1.5 million pilgrims have already arrived – in Saudi Arabia and some 500,000 more pilgrims are expected to come to perform Hajj, which starts on August 30 and ends on September 4.