Registration for the next Haj season — Haj 2025 — will open from the beginning of September 2024, the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf) announced on Wednesday.
The registration will be valid provided the applications for the pilgrimage are submitted through the Authority’s smart application and website.
The pilgrims wrapped up this year’s Haj on Tuesday, June 18, with the third day of the symbolic stoning of the devil.
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Around 1.8 million pilgrims reportedly performed Haj this year, with 1.6 million coming from outside Saudi. Haj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is mandatory at least once on all Muslims with the means.
Typically, the UAE issues Haj permits only for Emiratis. Expatriates have to avail the quota of their home countries and follow their procedures as well.
Pilgrims usually go for the pilgrimage via licensed tour operators, a list of which is available on the website of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments. Operators offer all-inclusive Haj packages that take care of visa costs, hotels, transport and food.