The UAE Hajj Affairs Office has announced the commencement of a trial operation for the state’s camps at Mina and Arafat, ensuring full readiness with all services and facilities in place to welcome UAE pilgrims during the current Hajj season.
The office confirmed that the preparations included providing all necessary comfort and safety requirements for the 6,228 pilgrims, covering infrastructure development, advanced air conditioning systems, catering provisions, as well as medical and administrative facilities, all adhering to the highest standards. This effort aims to facilitate a smooth and secure Hajj journey for the pilgrims.
Enhancements made this year include the construction of a mosque that can accommodate over 400 pilgrims, along with designated prayer areas in all Arafat camps, featuring top-quality audio and visual systems for broadcasting the Arafat sermon and prayer. Additionally, all camps are equipped with efficient air conditioning systems, shaded pathways, landscaping, and modern mist fans to mitigate high temperatures and protect pilgrims from sun exposure.
Dr. Omar Habtoor Al-Derai, Chairman of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments, as well as the Chairman of the UAE Hajj Affairs Office, emphasized ongoing efforts to create a conducive environment for state pilgrims to perform their rituals. He noted that the office completed camp preparations in record time to ensure a comfortable and safe setting for pilgrims while striving to enhance facilities and services for a serene and easy pilgrimage experience.
He stated, “We greatly appreciate the close collaboration with the relevant authorities in the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We operate under a comprehensive plan that reflects the UAE’s honorable image in caring for its pilgrims and achieving the highest levels of satisfaction and safety.” The office continues its logistical preparations to ensure smooth crowd management and organization within the holy sites, aiming to deliver exceptional services that guarantee the comfort and safety of UAE pilgrims.
Spiritual Guidance Services
The UAE Hajj Affairs Office has also raised the level of spiritual guidance and fatwa services in preparation for the Hajj rituals, as part of a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing religious awareness and providing the necessary legal support for pilgrims.
The office has appointed a team of 40 male and female religious guides to accompany UAE Hajj groups, ensuring that there is at least one qualified guide with each group. Additionally, a team of specialized female guides and scholars is designated to provide advice and religious education to women to address their specific needs and inquiries. This includes the establishment of four dedicated hotlines for answering pilgrims’ questions, ensuring prompt responses and timely legal guidance. The hotline numbers are: 00966536475610, 00966535864386, 00966535247483, with 00966506781418 reserved for women.
Furthermore, the office has developed a unified guidance plan for field staff that includes lectures, fatwa sessions, and awareness seminars, which can be delivered directly to pilgrims or broadcasted via a “unified broadcasting” system in the holy sites to ensure that awareness messages reach all pilgrims at the right time and place.
As part of its digital transformation, many awareness services have been transitioned to interactive online platforms to ensure accessibility for pilgrims anytime and anywhere. The office has also distributed a “UAE Pilgrims’ Bag,” which contains comprehensive religious and educational references to enhance pilgrims’ awareness and education throughout their rites.
The UAE Hajj Affairs Office continues its commitment to developing its field and awareness services, achieving the highest levels of comfort and religious support for the UAE pilgrims, in line with the national vision of providing integrated and modern Hajj services.