Tougher checks proposed on Haj service providers

Dubai: The Ministry of Economy is looking at different ways of reducing the financial strain on people undertaking Haj pilgrimages.

The ministry will ensure strict monitoring of prices of companies offering Haj packages, Hashim Al Nuaimi, director of the Consumer Protection Department at the ministry, announced yesterday.

"Haj contractors should find ways to reduce the costs and expenses of the pilgrims," Al Nuaimi said.

"This step aims to coordinate efforts and explore best ways to enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims," he added.

Airport services

"The ministry seeks to develop the services provided by UAE airports to the pilgrims and also to upgrade services at airports in Saudi Arabia in cooperation and coordination with the director of Saudi Airlines in Dubai," he said.

The Ministry of Economy's Consumer Protection Department, in cooperation with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, held a meeting with representatives of national airlines and Haj contractors yesterday at the ministry's office in Dubai.

Those invited to the meeting expressed their willingness to cooperate with the proposal of the Ministry of Economy and the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and agreed to appoint staff so that all airlines in the UAE can coordinate with carriers in Saudi Arabia to ensure pilgrims can travel seamlessly without delay.

More flights

The ministry also suggested that national airlines should look at increasing the number of flights during the Haj season in order to facilitate the smooth transfer of pilgrims while avoiding traffic congestion and overcrowding. The airline representatives welcomed the proposal and promised to convey the message to their higher management.

Al Nuaimi said the ministry will cooperate with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments during the Haj season to monitor prices and prevent any attempts to exploit pilgrims or to impose surcharges on the cost of Haj flights.

The ministry also called on pilgrims not to hesitate to lodge complaints with the Ministry of Economy if they felt they had been exploited by Haj operators.