Saudi Arabia: UAE pilgrims’ camps in Mina and Arafat fully operational ahead of Hajj season

Abu Dhabi: The UAE Hajj Affairs Office has officially announced the commencement of trial operations at its pilgrims’ camps in Mina and Arafat, marking a key milestone in preparations for the 2025 Hajj season. All services and facilities are now fully operational, ready to receive 6,228 pilgrims from the UAE.

These preparations reflect the UAE's ongoing commitment to ensuring a smooth, safe, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience for its citizens. Comprehensive upgrades have been made to meet the highest standards of comfort, safety, and efficiency.

The UAE Hajj Affairs Office confirmed that the camps are now equipped with robust infrastructure, including advanced air conditioning systems, upgraded catering equipment, and extensive medical and administrative services. All systems are designed to operate seamlessly under high-capacity conditions, in line with international standards and best practices.

This year, significant attention has been placed on improving environmental conditions within the camps. Shaded walkways, landscaping, and the installation of modern misting fans aim to reduce the impact of high temperatures and prevent heat-related illnesses such as sunstroke.

Among this year’s notable developments is the construction of a new mosque within the camp, with a capacity to host over 400 worshippers. In addition, all Arafat camps have been fitted with dedicated prayer rooms, each equipped with high-quality audio and video systems for broadcasting the Arafat sermon and prayers.

These enhancements aim to ensure that pilgrims have the opportunity to engage fully in the spiritual dimensions of Hajj without logistical constraints or discomfort.

Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, and Chairman of the UAE Hajj Affairs Office, praised the rapid and efficient completion of preparations. He noted that all facilities were finalized in record time and that every effort has been made to provide a secure and comfortable environment for UAE pilgrims.

Dr. Al Darei emphasised that this year’s preparations focused on elevating the efficiency and reliability of services, enabling pilgrims to carry out their religious duties with peace of mind and minimal disruption.

Last week, field teams from the UAE Pilgrims Affairs Office continued their on-site efforts in Mina and Arafat, maintaining round-the-clock monitoring of all services. These include accommodation, healthcare, transport, and food provision — each element carefully inspected and managed in accordance with the UAE’s strict quality benchmarks.

Ahmed Rashid Al Neyadi, Director-General of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments and Zakat, affirmed that the Office is progressing steadily in finalising all preparations. He reiterated the Office’s commitment to receiving pilgrims with dignity, care, and excellence across all holy sites.

Al Neyadi also highlighted that the highest health and safety protocols are being implemented in all facilities, and that trial operations have confirmed the full readiness of every service area.

This year, the UAE Hajj mission has implemented several key infrastructure upgrades. A third power station has been installed within the camp in collaboration with Saudi authorities to ensure uninterrupted electrical supply.

An additional prayer area, also accommodating 400 worshippers, has been constructed in Arafat, and the entire camp has been outfitted with shading to protect against extreme heat. Over 200 new trees have been planted around the camp perimeter to assist with natural cooling. Ventilation fans have also been added along walkways to enhance airflow and comfort.

To assist pilgrims during their spiritual journey, the General Authority has distributed over 6,500 copies of the Holy Qur’an, along with crossbody bags, maps, Hajj guides, and booklets such as Your Hajj Questions Answered, The Values of a Pilgrim, and Hajj Supplication Booklets. These resources aim to provide religious guidance and logistical support throughout the Hajj.

According to the Authority, 6,228 Emirati pilgrims are participating this year, 5,648 of whom are undertaking Hajj for the first time.

The preparatory mission from the UAE Pilgrims Affairs Office has arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ahead of the main groups. The delegation includes representatives from multiple government entities and has begun implementing advance preparations at its main operations base in Makkah.

These teams are actively coordinating administrative, medical, and logistical services. They are also receiving early-arriving pilgrims at Jeddah International Airport, assisting with transportation to accommodations, and monitoring overall health and well-being.

Field inspections of the camps in Mina and Arafat have been carried out to ensure that every component complies with the standards set by the UAE’s religious and governmental bodies.

The UAE Hajj Committee continues to oversee the readiness of all facilities with ongoing, 24/7 supervision. From healthcare to housing, food service to crowd management, every aspect of the Hajj experience is being addressed with precision and care.

These preparations underscore the UAE's dedication to protecting the safety, dignity, and spiritual well-being of its pilgrims throughout their sacred journey.