UAE Opens Hajj Registration for Citizens Seeking to Perform Pilgrimage

Registration is officially open for UAE citizens wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage next year, according to an announcement by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat.

The registration window remains open until September 25 and is restricted to citizens aged 15 and above who have not previously undertaken the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. As one of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj is mandatory for all capable Muslims at least once in their lifetime.

UAE citizens can complete their registration using the authority's official app or website. Selected pilgrims will be chosen through an automated screening process that evaluates specific criteria and requirements.

The authority anticipates concluding this selection process and publishing the final list of approved pilgrims by October 9. Records show that approximately 6,230 Emiratis traveled to Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage this year.

Meanwhile, Saudi authorities implemented strict regulations for pilgrims arriving from across the globe for this year's event. Officials warned that individuals attempting to perform Hajj without the required visa face fines reaching up to 20,000 Saudi riyals ($5,333), alongside deportation and a reentry ban lasting up to 10 years.

Data from Saudi Arabia indicated that 1.7 million pilgrims gathered at the holy sites during this year's Hajj. This total comprised 1,546,655 international travelers and 160,646 domestic pilgrims, including both citizens and residents.