The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, has announced that there will be no specific allotment of areas for countries at the Holy Sites during the Hajj pilgrimage of 2024. Instead, priority will be given to countries that have fulfilled the terms and conditions of bilateral agreements and completed all preparations for the Hajj.
Dr. Al-Rabiah made this announcement during the closing ceremony held by the Ministry to honor the efforts of government and private sector agencies in ensuring the success of this year’s Hajj operation. He emphasized the importance of early preparations and shared that the preliminary arrangements document for the next Hajj season would be delivered to the Hajj affairs offices starting June 30.
According to the Minister, every country should begin preparations for next year’s Hajj now in order to provide excellent services to the guests of God. He revealed that the preparatory meetings would start on September 16, during which the electronic track for data entry and the announcement of licensed companies would be launched.
The Minister also highlighted that the allotment process of pilgrims’ accommodation in Makkah, Madinah, and the Holy Sites will be finalized by February 25, 2024. Countries that can conclude agreements early will have priority in the allotment of suitable areas at the Holy Sites.
Additionally, the issuance of visas for the Hajj pilgrimage will start on March 1, 2024, and the closure of the visa application process will be on April 29. Pilgrims will begin arriving in the Kingdom on May 9, 2024, marking the start of the Hajj season.
Dr. Al-Rabiah expressed his hope that these scheduled programs will make the Hajj operation easier and the preparations more efficient. He thanked the offices of Hajj affairs for their efforts and commitment to adhering to regulations and instructions, and also extended his gratitude to the Saudi citizens who made significant contributions in serving the guests of God.
