Better services for Haj pilgrims this year

Pilgrims going on Haj will see better services than previous years.

Ali Hassan, director of the Haj and Umrah Committee, said: "Haj and Umrah contractors bear huge responsibilities in the UAE and Makkah. Preparations start early to ensure pilgrims' comfort. The committee was founded to streamline services.

"A large number of pilgrims go on Haj every year – hence the sector needs to improve. We hope that all parties will help efforts of the committee."

The committee, in a bid to revamp services, will hold a meeting in September with contractors, some pilgrims and delegates from the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Awqaf.

The meeting will review ideas and suggestions to see whether they can be implemented and ensure better services.

The committee was set up by the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Awqaf in December 2000.

The committee discussed a number of problems facing the sector and recommendations were submitted to the ministry following a meeting held in May 2002. The recommendations called on the ministry to support early preparations for Haj to ensure better services.

Discussions are on with airlines to reduce air fares for the Haj season. The committee is studying problems faced by Haj and Umrah contractors to resolve them.

The committee has accomplished a number of achievements. It facilitated visa procedures at the Saudi embassy and consulate.

A number of problems during Haj last year were also solved in coordination with the ministry's representatives in Saudi Arabia. The air fare was reduced from Dh2,950 to Dh2,650 in coordination with Saudi airlines.

Besides being the main body to represent Haj and Umrah contractors at the ministry and the Saudi embassy, objectives of the committee include developing the contractors' sector and training pilgrims.

The committee is planing to train contractors on pilgrim services as part of the committee's future plans. Contractors whose services are below standard will face penalties or be removed from the market.