Saudi Arabia Reviews Preparations for Hajj 1448 AH with Representatives of 76 Countries

Saudi Arabia Reviews Preparations for Hajj 1448 AH with Representatives of 76 Countries
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Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has held talks with heads of Hajj affairs offices from 76 countries to review preparations for the 1448 AH Hajj season, emphasizing early contracting, timely visa issuance and improved services for pilgrims.

The discussions took place on Tuesday during the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, held under the theme “From Makkah to the World.” Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said the upcoming season would introduce several operational and organizational improvements aimed at enhancing pilgrims’ experiences and raising service quality.

Al-Rabiah announced that the ministry had launched 11 training programmes for Hajj affairs offices and nine additional programmes for service providers, covering accommodation, catering, transportation, pilgrim movement management and other operational services.

He outlined five key priorities for the upcoming season, stressing adherence to approved schedules and the importance of beginning preparations early. He also urged participating countries to complete service contracts and secure Hajj arrangements before the deadline for issuing visas on the first of Shawwal.

The minister further emphasized the need for early agreements with airlines and air transport companies, with contracts to be documented through the electronic Hajj platform to improve coordination and facilitate pilgrims’ arrival and transportation.