TEHRAN -- In a notable recognition of operational excellence, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has awarded Iran the prestigious “Labaytum” prize for outstanding executive services during the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
According to Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, the award was presented during the official closing ceremony of this year’s Hajj, held Sunday night at the ministry’s headquarters in Mecca. 
The event was hosted by Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, and attended by ministers and Hajj officials from across the Islamic world.
Saudi officials outlined their strategic planning for the pilgrimage and shared expert evaluations of the quality and efficiency of services provided by participating countries. For the first time, the Islamic Republic of Iran was recognized as the top-performing country in delivering executive services to pilgrims.
Dr. Al-Rabiah personally presented the “Labaytum” award and a certificate of recognition to Alireza Bayat, head of Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization.
This year’s Hajj hosted over 1.6 million pilgrims, including 86,700 from Iran. With the completion of the main rituals and the return of pilgrims to Mecca by the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the Hajj season is drawing to a close. The repatriation of Iranian pilgrims is set to begin on June 11.
The Labaytum Award is an annual recognition given to Hajj management organizations worldwide that demonstrate outstanding performance in Hajj operations by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.