The Protocol Division of the Public Relations Department at the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him)—responsible for receiving official guests, organizing ceremonial affairs, and coordinating hospitality services—announced a number of significant achievements during 2025. These efforts fall within the division’s ongoing duties of hosting and organizing the affairs of official, religious, academic, and social delegations from inside and outside Iraq, in a manner befitting the esteemed status of the Holy Shrine.

Abbas Al-Muhanna, Head of the Protocol Division, stated that the division oversees the organization of conferences, official events, and ceremonial activities. It also accompanies delegations from the moment of their arrival until the conclusion of their programs, in coordination with relevant departments and divisions to ensure that all logistical, administrative, and hospitality requirements are met. He noted that these efforts contribute to presenting a distinguished image of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain and reinforcing values of respect and institutional etiquette.

Al-Muhanna added that the division works to strengthen cultural and religious relations with visiting institutions and entities and contributes to the success of events and activities sponsored by the Holy Shrine. He explained that the Protocol Division manages activities held at the Khatam Al-Anbiya and Sayyid Al-Awsiya Conference Halls, which host conferences, seminars, festivals, intellectual and religious lectures, educational courses, research sessions, official visits, and Ramadan evening programs. During 2025, the two halls received more than 15,000 attendees.

He further explained that the division’s staff exert exceptional efforts around the clock to host and serve delegations and visitors. In addition, the Social Affairs Follow-up Unit, operating under the Protocol Division, follows up on social welfare requests referred from the office of His Eminence Sheikh Abdul-Mahdi Al-Karbalaey, including welfare and assistance payments for people with special needs, low-income families, and widows, in coordination with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and its departments across the governorates.

Al-Muhanna outlined the most prominent achievements of the Protocol Division during 2025, including:

Hosting and accommodating 8,926 individuals from Lebanese families in the Holy Shrine’s pilgrim cities, Husseiniyas, rented hotels, and the homes of donating citizens.

Receiving 306 delegations comprising 7,538 individuals at the official guesthouse.

Providing hospitality services to 928 delegations, totaling 25,719 individuals.

Receiving 720 members of Syrian families arriving at the Holy Shrine.

Welcoming more than 15,000 participants at the Khatam Al-Anbiya and Sayyid Al-Awsiya Conference Halls.

Completing annual vehicle inspections for 107 vehicles belonging to shrine departments, in cooperation with the Traffic Directorate.

Securing entry visas for 150 Arab and foreign visitors.

Obtaining approvals for the renewal of firearm licenses for officials and employees of the Holy Shrine.

He concluded by affirming that these achievements reflect the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain’s commitment to providing the highest level of service to delegations and pilgrims, while strengthening its humanitarian, religious, and social role at both the local and international levels.

Emad Bao