Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, convened the semiannual meeting with heads of Hajj offices on the sidelines of the fifth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition. The gathering brought together more than 100 ministers, grand muftis, and heads of Hajj offices from Islamic countries to evaluate preparations for the 1447 AH Hajj season. Discussions centered on updates to organizational and operational frameworks designed to improve the overall experience for pilgrims. Al-Rabiah began by expressing gratitude to the offices for their cooperation and diligence during the previous Hajj season, acknowledging those who had completed their contracts early.
The Minister urged remaining offices to finalize contracting procedures by Rajab 15, 1447 AH, to secure early readiness and maintain the Kingdom’s high standards of service. He outlined a comprehensive set of regulatory deadlines, including the completion of camp service contracts by Rajab 15 and accommodation contracts in Makkah and Madinah by Shaban 13. Additionally, he stressed that Hajj visas must be issued before Shawwal 1 without extensions, while awareness campaigns should be intensified to combat unauthorized Hajj participation. The meeting underscored the importance of proactive planning and strict adherence to established guidelines to safeguard pilgrims’ welfare.
Al-Rabiah also introduced several procedural enhancements to streamline operations and ensure accountability. Among them is the mandatory “health capability certificate,” verified through the Masar electronic platform, to confirm the physical readiness of pilgrims. He required all payments for sacrificial animals to be handled solely through authorized Hajj offices and the Saudi Project for the Utilization of Hady and Adahi, to prevent misuse or exploitation. Moreover, the Nusuk card was declared mandatory for accessing the Grand Mosque and other holy sites, reinforcing digital integration within Hajj operations.
The Minister further called for timely data submission of administrative, medical, and media personnel starting Jumada Al-Awwal 19, with completion before Rajab 1, as well as the early finalization of airline and flight slot arrangements. He emphasized that all administrative and financial dealings must occur via the Nusuk Masar platform to ensure transparency and efficiency. Concluding the session, Al-Rabiah highlighted that these steps embody the Kingdom’s enduring dedication to improving the management of Hajj and fostering collaboration among global partners. Through these measures, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its leadership in providing pilgrims with a safe, organized, and spiritually enriching experience.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
