"We have completed arrangements to receive the guests, who will be coming from Islamic centers and organizations in Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Holland, Britain, Norway, Sweden, Brazil and Byelorussia," he said.

He added that IANM guests will comprise converts who are performing Haj for the first time. The IANM will meet the guests' expenses, including airfare, accommodation in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites of Mina and Arafat. "We have set up a committee to welcome the guests and meet all their requirements," he said. IANM's guests will be accommodated in hotels close to the Grand Mosque.

The association has arranged an itinerary for its guests to visit important places including the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, the Kaaba Cover Factory in Makkah, the Haram Library and the Two Holy Mosques Museum in Um Al-Joud.

"Experts will accompany the pilgrims to provide them with necessary advice and guidelines. They will also be given lectures by prominent Islamic scholars," he added. The programs also include cultural contests and meetings with Saudis.

IANM is an international charitable organization based in Jeddah and is affiliated to the Makkah-based World Muslim League. It provides necessary care and support to new Muslims and coordinates with Islamic organizations and societies working in the field.

The association has a women's wing that takes care of new Muslim women. It offers courses on the basic teachings of Islam as well as special programs for teenage girls.

The association, which provides a place for expatriate women representing different nationalities and cultures to meet and exchange ideas, organizes field trips to art galleries and museums in Jeddah.

The director of the women's section has called on expatriate women, especially new Muslims to register with her office in order to participate in its educational and cultural programs.

She welcomed non-Muslims to IANM's programs, which are offered free of charge. However, the office charges nominal fees for the six-level Arabic language course


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