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Updated March 2024
Hajj is one of the most anticipated events for Muslims worldwide. Following success in the Hajj pilgrimage in 2023, Saudi Arabia is now preparing again to welcome pilgrims from all over the world to perform the Hajj, including those from the UAE.
Below, Wego have gathered the Hajj guideline for all Emiratis nationals wishing to perform the pilgrimage this year. Read further to find out.
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Hajj 2024 from UAE latest news
For UAE pilgrims embarking on Umrah and Haj rituals in Saudi Arabia, strict health measures have been put in place by the Ministry of Health and Prevention. Starting March 26, travellers are mandated to complete all required vaccinations, particularly for influenza, and adhere to safety protocols before their journey.
This initiative aims to safeguard the health and well-being of pilgrims, their families, and the wider community from contagious diseases. It is strongly advised that individuals, especially those with chronic illnesses, visit healthcare facilities well in advance to receive vaccinations, which are readily available at both government and private health centers.
Certain groups, such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions, are considered high-risk and are urged to prioritize vaccination, including the pneumococcal vaccine, to minimize flu-related complications and ensure a safe pilgrimage experience.
Hajj 2024 from UAE dates
The UAE has released the dates for registration for the 2024 Islamic pilgrimage, Hajj. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments has opened the registration for Hajj using its mobile app from December 5th to December 21st.
This year, Saudi Arabia will host pilgrims at Islam’s most sacred locations in mid-June. Additionally, the ministry stated the Hajj visas will be issued from 1 March until 29 April this year. Meanwhile, the first batch of Hajj pilgrims will arrive on 9 May.
Hajj 2024 from UAE requirements and rules
These are a few requirements and rules that have been announced regarding Hajj 2024 in UAE:
As the official guidelines have yet to be released, please note that some of these requirements and rules were observed during this year’s Hajj season and may not apply to Hajj 2024.
General requirement
This year’s Hajj is strictly for those who have yet to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The requirements for a Hajj visa include
- a valid passport
- a recent photo
- proof of vaccination against meningococcal disease
- proof of enough funds to cover expenses during your stay in Saudi Arabia.
Age limit & testing requirements
Hajj will be available this year for all people above the age of 12 provided that they obtain the basic doses of vaccines approved in the Kingdom.
Vaccination requirements
Pilgrims will need to be vaccinated against yellow fever, meningitis, polio, and seasonal influenza. For more information on these vaccines, check out our dedicated article below.
Permit
Worshippers are no longer required to obtain an appointment to pray at the Grand Mosque in Makkah as well as the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Hajj 2024 for UAE nationals
UAE nationals do not need a visa to travel to the KSA; however, they must obtain an official Hajj permit to enter the KSA.
This entitles them to the ‘express Hajj’ packages, where pilgrims arrive in Makkah right before rituals begin and return promptly after they end. The package can be arranged through Hajj tour operators.
Those who have never been to Hajj will be prioritized to perform the Hajj this year.
Hajj 2024 for UAE expats
Given the limited quota, the UAE has stopped issuing Hajj permits to expat residents. The Muslim expat population willing to perform Hajj must obtain permits from their respective countries.
You can still get a Hajj visa from Dubai, to go on the pilgrimage. The Hajj visa for expats only allows entry to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. It is not valid for any other city in the KSA.
Health protocols
As pilgrims prepare for the sacred journey of Hajj 2024, the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has outlined essential health requirements and recommendations to ensure the well-being of participants. These guidelines emphasize the importance of vaccination against contagious diseases to safeguard the health of pilgrims and prevent the spread of illnesses during the pilgrimage.
Mandatory vaccinations include the Quadrivalent (ACYW) Polysaccharide Vaccine for meningococcal meningitis, with clear documentation of vaccination type and date, as well as precautions against poliomyelitis and yellow fever for travelers from affected regions.
Additionally, recommended vaccinations such as COVID-19, poliomyelitis, and seasonal influenza are recommended to further enhance the health and safety of pilgrims during their journey.
In addition to vaccinations, pilgrims are advised to seek guidance from experienced travelers, maintain proper hydration, and adhere to health and safety protocols throughout the pilgrimage. By following these health guidelines, pilgrims can ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience during the Hajj pilgrimage, contributing to the overall well-being and welfare of all participants.
How to apply for Hajj 2024 from UAE
All pilgrimage operators are required to provide the pilgrims with suitable residences licensed by the Ministry of Hajj and the Civil Defence in the KSA. The accommodation should conform to the standard set by the authorities in terms of quality, hygiene, age of buildings, accessibility and capacity.
Required documents
Hajj rites for this year can only be performed by individuals who hold a visa that is designated for Hajj, or by those who are already residing with a legal residence inside the Kingdom. Here are some of the documents required for a Hajj visa. You will need to provide these to the Hajj tour operators in Dubai:
- original passport with six-month validity. For expats, their UAE residence visa must have a three-month validity.
- a copy of the passport (File type: Images, Word, PDF / File size: 100 KB)
- a copy of your Emirates ID (File type: Images, Word, PDF / File size: 100 KB)
- passport photos with a white background
- contract signed with the campaign operator (File type: Images, Word, PDF / File size: 100 KB)
- Mahram Letter, which is proof of kinship from an accompanying male relative. This is only applicable to women below the age of 45. Women above the age of 45 can travel with a Hajj tour operator without the need for a Mahram, provided they submit a no-objection letter from their husband, son or brother authorising them to travel for Hajj with the group.
Hajj 2024 application process from UAE
These are the steps for all the UAE pilgrims who wish to participate in Hajj:
- selection of an authorised delegation
- signing a contract with the selected Hajj delegation
- presenting the necessary documents
- taking the advised vaccinations
- receiving the Hajj permit from the delegation
For expatriates, they must submit their Hajj applications to the responsible body in their country based on regulations of the Ministry of Hajj in Saudi Arabia, as applications will not be provided by the UAE. Hajj delegations provide forms that include comprehensive information on how to proceed, where the pilgrim can book his or her place as the first step on their Hajj journey.
Hajj 2024 registration through AWQAF UAE app
According to a recent announcement, registration for Hajj 2024 can be done through the AWQAF UAE application that is available in the App Store and Google Play Store. The registration started from December 5, 2023, to December 21, 2023.
Below, are the steps for Hajj registration through the AWQAF UAE application:
- download the application from the App Store or Google Play Store
- open the application
- click on the “Hajj and Umrah Services” tab on the main screen
- select “Hajj Registration”
- log in using the UAE Pass digital identity
- review and verify your personal information and passport details
- if you want to link family members, click on the “Link with Family Members” option. Moreover, if you want to come with a guardian or companion, click on the “Add Guardian or Companion” option and enter their reference number.
- for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, you can choose your status from the special conditions list and attach the required documents
- complete the required details and information
- click on “Submit”
The registration application can be tracked at any time through the AWQAF UAE application. To check your application, you can simply go to the “Hajj and Umrah Services” tab on the main screen and select “Track Application.”
Hajj 2024 from UAE packages
Here are some of the government-approved Hajj tour operators in Dubai you can contact for your Hajj packages:
- Regal Tours Dubai: +971-50-8474-794 | +971 4 2635 888
- Al Reayah Hajj & Umrah Dubai: +971-55-971-1146 | +971-4 -252-3130
- Al Hamar Hajj & Umrah Services Dubai: +971-4-396-7711
- Abdullah Bin Karam Hajj & Umrah Travels: +971-4-228-8575
You can also check our article about Hajj 2024 packages and how to obtain your Hajj permit below:
Other than that, you can also book your Hajj packages with the KSA’s approved travel agents in other cities as well:
Abu Dhabi
Abdullah Bin Karam Travel & Tourism
Phone Number: 0097126341902
E-mail: [email protected]
Al-Tawheed Travel & Tourism
Phone Number: 0097126324666
E-mail: [email protected]
Al-Roqn Al Khames Travel
Phone Number: 0097124412244
E-mail: [email protected]
Al-Tayeem Travel
Phone Number: 0097126411008
E-mail: [email protected]
Al Ojoor Travels
Phone Number: 0097165440072
E-mail: [email protected]
Al-Yarmook Travel
Phone Number: 0097126394556
E-mail: [email protected]
Sharjah
Alghary Hajj Umra & Tours
Phone Number: 0097165687117
E-mail: [email protected]
Al Bayan Hajj Umrah Tourism
Phone Number: 00971503005979
E-mail: [email protected]
Hajj 2024 from UAE cost
Hajj packages from UAE will cost around AED 27,500, and it includes a Hajj visa, airfares, Hajj coordinator, meals, tents in Mina and Arafat, and transportation in KSA.
Some travel agents will require a minimum payment of AED 10,000 before you can book your Hajj packages.
Free Hajj for special UAE nationals
There are charitable organisations that organise free Hajj for UAE nationals in special cases. People eligible for free Hajj from Dubai include:
- the elderly
- widowed women
- divorced women
- those whose Hajj application was rejected in the previous year
These individuals must also meet the following conditions for free Hajj:
- should not be aged more than 40
- should not have previously performed Hajj
- cannot afford the Hajj trip from Dubai
People who wish to apply can submit an application via the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE embassies overseas or any of the following organisations:
- Abu Dhabi Rehabilitation Centre
- Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation
- The Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation
