UAE citizens who wish to perform Haj in 2025 can begin their registration process starting tomorrow, September 19. This announcement, made by authorities on Wednesday, marks the opening of the registration period, which will continue until September 30.
The registration can be completed through the smart app or the website of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat (Awqaf UAE).
To be eligible for registration, applicants must meet the following criteria: they must be UAE citizens, at least 12 years old, and have not performed Haj in the last five years.
Priority will be given to individuals of determination who are performing Haj for the first time, as well as those with incurable diseases, the elderly, and their relatives or companions.For the 2025 Haj season, the UAE has been allocated 6,228 pilgrim slots by the Haj authorities in Saudi Arabia.
Awqaf UAE, in collaboration with Saudi authorities, will handle the issuance of Haj permits and ‘Nusuk’ cards. These permits and cards will ensure that pilgrims receive the necessary medical, legal, and logistical support throughout their journey.
In preparation for the pilgrimage, Awqaf UAE will regularly evaluate Haj campaigns and teams to ensure they meet established standards. Additionally, awareness campaigns will be launched in the coming months to provide guidance to pilgrims.
Dedicated hotlines will also be set up to offer support during the pilgrimage season.This year, approximately 1.8 million pilgrims performed Haj, with 1.6 million coming from outside Saudi Arabia.
Haj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a religious obligation for Muslims who have the means to undertake it at least once in their lifetime.Typically, Haj permits in the UAE are issued exclusively to Emirati citizens. Expatriates must adhere to the procedures and quotas set by their home countries.
Pilgrims generally perform Haj through licensed tour operators who provide all-inclusive packages covering visas, accommodation, transportation, and meals. A list of these licensed operators can be found on the Awqaf UAE website.
