Record demand as over 72,000 apply for Hajj 2026 in UAE

Dubai: The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has approved 6,228 Emirati men and women to perform Hajj in the 1447 AH / 2026 season, following an early round of preparations for the annual pilgrimage.
Approved applicants have been informed via text messages and other communication channels to begin completing the required procedures.
The Authority said the selection was carried out through an automated screening system based on predefined criteria and eligibility conditions. The process was designed to be transparent and equitable, ensuring fairness among all applicants.
This year’s demand reached a record level, with more than 72,000 citizens submitting applications through the Authority’s official platforms—one of the highest figures recorded in recent years.
The electronic filtering system prioritised:
Senior citizens
Applicants with medical conditions requiring special consideration, verified by official medical reports
Citizens who have repeatedly applied in past years without receiving a permit
First-time applicants
Additional organisational measures were applied to ensure safety and efficient management of the UAE’s pilgrim delegation.
Applicants not selected for this year’s Hajj will have their applications automatically carried over to the 1448 AH / 2027 season, without needing to reapply or submit new documents. Those seeking clarification were advised to contact the Unified Call Center at 8008222.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe, smooth, and well-organised Hajj experience for UAE pilgrims, in line with the leadership’s vision to provide the highest standards of comfort and care.
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