UAE ramps up Hajj preparations for over 6,200 Emirati pilgrims

Abu Dhabi: The UAE has intensified its preparations to ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching Hajj journey for its citizens this year, as 6,228 Emirati pilgrims prepare to perform the sacred pilgrimage.

Of this number, a significant 5,648 will be undertaking Hajj for the first time, according to the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat.

Under the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership, the pilgrimage programme has been carefully designed to provide comprehensive support from departure to return.

 “The comfort and wellbeing of our pilgrims has been and will continue to be a top national priority,” said Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the Authority. “We have implemented a continuous development strategy to enhance the services we offer, according to global best practices.”

In preparation for the spiritual journey, the Authority has distributed 6,500 copies each of Qur’ans, cross-body travel bags, Hajj guidance booklets, maps, value-based manuals, and prayer books to all pilgrims.

These resources are designed to guide and support pilgrims through every step of their spiritual and logistical journey.

The UAE’s Hajj delegation has already arrived in Saudi Arabia, beginning preparations to welcome the official mission and arriving pilgrims. Their duties include logistical coordination, health screenings, and ensuring all services at key sites such as Mina and Arafat meet UAE standards.

Early arrivals via Jeddah International Airport have been greeted with comprehensive support to ease their transition into the holy sites.

Further reinforcing the national commitment to Hajj excellence, the Authority hosted the "Emirati Hajj Forum" earlier this week, bringing together more than 8,000 participants.

The event featured educational sessions, cultural exhibits, including a historical tribute to the pilgrimage of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the unveiling of the UAE’s Hajj Campaign Rating Guide, developed in collaboration with the Emirates Government Excellence Program. The guide uses a global star-rating system to assess the quality of Hajj service providers.

The UAE’s preparations have been bolstered by an official cooperation agreement signed earlier this year with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, to streamline procedures and enhance coordination across all stages of the pilgrimage. This agreement ensures smooth entry and exit for UAE pilgrims and provides a framework for integrated support in the holy sites.

On the health front, the Emirates Health Services has mandated essential medical screenings and vaccinations for all pilgrims, emphasising the need to receive Hajj-specific immunizations at least 10 days prior to travel. Chronic disease patients are required to carry detailed medical reports and medications to safeguard their health during the physically demanding rituals.

Meanwhile, national carriers are scaling up flight operations to accommodate the surge in travel. Emirates Airlines has announced 33 special Hajj flights to Jeddah and Medina between May 19–31 and June 10–16, ensuring ample connectivity for pilgrims and Eid Al Adha travellers.

- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE.