MAKKAH – As the number of pilgrims is anticipated to increase the Saudi Hajj ministry has introduced a new set of rules and has decided to build more buildings for pilgrim accommodation.
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The most significant religious event, the annual Hajj pilgrimage draws millions of pilgrims worldwide to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
To ensure a more safe and comfortable Hajj experience the Saudi authorities have been introducing several rules.
Preparing for Hajj 2024
As the preparations for Hajj 2024 get underway new rules and changes have been introduced to manage the increasing number of pilgrims.
Osama Zaytuni, the spokesman for Mecca mayoralty has announced that around 3800 buildings of various configurations will be used for Hajj pilgrims, however, the official number of buildings can go up to 5000 as the anticipated number of pilgrims may exceed expectations this year.
Osama Zaytuni further urged the building owners to get their buildings registered for the pilgrim’s accommodation to avoid overcrowding in one particular building to improve the overall pilgrimage experience
Reports indicate that the number of pilgrims in the year 2023 who performed Hajj was around 2 million. This figure closely resembles the number before COVID Pandemic
Moreover, new rules have also been introduced for the Hajj 2024 to ensure a smooth and organized Hajj event
In a significant change, the new slots on the holy sites will be confirmed on a first come first serve basis. The order of finalization of the contracts will confirm the slots for each country
As per Saudi Minister of Hajj, Tawfiq Al Rabiah though no new specific spots will be given to countries, countries initiating their contracts early will surely get priority in securing appropriate spots at the holy place
Visa Applications for Hajj 2024
Further to ensure an easy Hajj journey the following dates have been set for Hajj 2204
- Visa application for Hajj 2024 will commence on 1st March and will end on 20th Shawwal that is 29th April
- The first flight of pilgrims will arrive at the holy place on 9th May, 1st Dhul Qaidah.
As per the Saudi Government changes are necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims in the next Hajj season.
Preparations for the Hajj 2024 have been initiated in Mecca with a focus on providing more buildings for pilgrims’ accommodation, introducing new rules for slot confirmation at the holy sites, and the early start of the visa process for the Hajj 2024. The initiatives will surely contribute to a better Hajj experience for all the pilgrims who arrive at the holy place.
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‘Mashaallah’; Religious tourist friendly convenience and hospitality act.
Hajj pilgrimage gives billions to the Saudi Arabia every year in addition to the Umrah pilgrimage which has now become a status symbol for majority of Muslims. Saudi Arabia is seizing the opportunity by developing infrastructures to promote religious tourism because Saudis know the oil wells are not everlasting. The whole process of Hajj and Umrah has been commercialised and turned into a trade by exploiting the pilgrims. It is the time to think whether Makkah and Madinah should be administratively separated from Saudi Government clutch to go to an efficient Muslim body to manage pilgrimage related affairs. There is inhuman exploitation of the common masses visiting the holy cities in connivance with the fake travel agents, travel agencies from backward countries and local Arabs who loot the innocent people.