Dubai: Emirati Haj pilgrims have started departing for Saudi Arabia from Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi airports and more are expected leave over the next few days.
More than 6,200 Emirati pilgrims are set to take part in the annual Islamic pilgrimage that sees millions of Muslims from across the world descending on the Saudi region of Hejaz as they visit Makkah as well as the plains of Arafat and Mina to perform a series of religious rituals, which culminates with the circumambulation of Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
The pilgrimage is mandatory for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford the trip.
Expecting a rush of passengers over the next two days, airport authorities across the emirates have made special preparations to receive the pilgrims to ensure their smooth departure.
As the pilgrims embark on the sacred journey, they are briefed about details of the trip, the rituals and the ways to keep themselves safe and healthy.
The authorities have made special arrangements to ensure their safety and good health, with all the batches being accompanied by a doctor, a religious expert and other officials.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is conducting medical check-ups and sharing health tips with pilgrims departing from Terminal 3.
The annual campaign aims to raise awareness among pilgrims on health measures that ensure a safe pilgrimage.
As part of the campaign, DHA doctors and nurses are conducting medical check-ups, while the authority’s health educators are sharing health tips on how to prevent medical issues during Haj rituals and how to use first aid kits.
In Dubai and Sharjah, the first batch of pilgrims departed on Monday, with the pilgrims at Dubai Airport receiving copies of Quran, a first-aid kit and packages with all the information about the journey.
A special lounge area was allotted for the pilgrims at the Dubai Airport, while a team of dedicated airport staff took care of all their needs during their passage through the airport.
At the Sharjah Airport, the Ministry of Health and Prevention in cooperation with Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) arranged medical tests and provided guidelines to ensure the pilgrims’ safety. Leaflets explaining health guidelines and steps to be taken before, during and after the return from Saudi Arabia were also given to the pilgrims.
A religious preacher from the Sharjah Department of Islamic Affairs has also been appointed to educate the pilgrims about performing the Haj rituals.
The SAA has assigned smart gates and lounges to expedite travel process of the pilgrims as smoothly as possible.
Meanwhile, an official at the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) said that the Haj committee recently held several meetings to ensure that all the needs of Emirati pilgrims are being met.
Representatives have also visited the Emirati camps in Makkah, Madinah, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
Further meetings will be held on August 18 to coordinate with the convoy leaving from the Islamic Affairs Department in Dubai.
Meanwhile, the Department of Civil Defence in Al Dhafra has urged pilgrims to avoid crowding at the holy sites during the pilgrimage. The Department has also distributed leaflets to pilgrims departing from Al Ghweifat port regarding safety and evacuation measures they can undertake during Haj.
Pilgrims have also been urged to keep, at all times, the address and contact numbers of the Haj campaign organisers, and to exercise caution when using public transport.
As Gulf News reported last week, Haj packages in the UAE have been priced 50 per cent lower this year compared to last year, according to the Awqaf. More than 6,200 Emirati pilgrims have availed of these packages and are heading to Saudi Arabia in various batches.
Like last year, no permits have been issued in the UAE to expatriate pilgrims, as directed by the Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah.
Mohammad Matar Al Kaabi, chairman at the Awqaf, had earlier said that there are over 100 licensed Haj operators this year, and that each will send along a doctor and a religious scholar to accompany pilgrims.
