Doha: The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs announced the completion of all logistical preparations and operational readiness for the 1446 AH Hajj season. It reaffirmed its enduring commitment to delivering top-notch services to pilgrims from the State of Qatar and to ensuring a streamlined, safe, and dignified environment for the performance of the sacred rituals with ease and reassurance.
According to Qatar News Agency, Director of Awqaf's Department of Hajj and Umrah, Ali bin Sultan Al Misifri, affirmed that preparations for the Hajj season began well in advance, in alignment with the vision of Qatar's prudent leadership and its unwavering commitment to ensuring optimal conditions for pilgrims from the State of Qatar to perform the sacred rites with dignity and ease. Awqaf opened the online registration portal on Sept. 22, 2024, through which approximately 13,000 individuals submitted applications. A meticulous screening process was conducted in coordination with the relevant authorities, and eligible applicants were selected based on well-defined criteria. A total of 4,400 pilgrims were allocated to the State of Qatar this year under the officially approved quota, Al Misifri highlighted.
He added that those selected were notified via SMS messages, initiating the communication and registration process with the 17 accredited Hajj campaigns authorized for the season. Al Misifri pointed out that the Hajj campaigns serve as principal partners in delivering services to pilgrims, assuming responsibility for accommodations, subsistence, administrative facilitation, continuous care, and transportation, from the very moment of departure from Hamad International Airport until the pilgrims' safe return to the homeland.
He further noted that Awqaf convened a series of intensive coordination meetings with campaign officials and coordinators to ensure full preparedness and seamless operational synergy. The Ministry has established a clear legal framework through an official contract template published on the Department of Hajj and Umrah's website, safeguarding the rights of both the pilgrim and the campaign, stipulating the details of the services rendered, and serving as a binding legal reference for both parties, he underlined.
With respect to campaign pricing, Al Misifri underscored that the Ministry refrains from imposing price controls, instead affording each of the accredited campaigns for the current Hajj season the latitude to structure its service offerings in accordance with the tier of provision it seeks to uphold. The ultimate discretion, he emphasized, rests with the pilgrims, who are empowered to exercise choice based on their individual needs and financial bandwidth.
Regarding coordination with the Saudi side, Al Misifri noted that the Ministry undertook a series of field trips to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Muttawiffy Hujjaj South Asia Company, to inspect accommodation sites and tent facilities in the sacred precincts of Mina and Arafat. These missions, he said, aimed to coordinate with the relevant entities and service providers responsible for tent preparation, to verify full compliance with approved specifications and to ensure the provision of all requisite facilities and amenities, thereby securing the highest standards of comfort and logistical readiness for the pilgrims of the State of Qatar.
He heaped praise on the productive collaboration with the Saudi authorities, along with the early plan launched by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj following the conclusion of the past season, which incredibly streamlined the procedures and proved instrumental in conserving both time and effort for campaigns and programs alike.
Concerning public engagement, Al Misifri explained that the department has designated a hotline (132) to respond to all inquiries from the public and prospective pilgrims, operated by a specialized team of staff from the department, tasked with providing the necessary guidance and support with professionalism and efficiency. He noted Awqaf's colossal efforts, along with its commitment to the mission of serving pilgrims from the State of Qatar, both citizens and residents, emphasized the embodiment of the values of organization, quality, and dedicated care for the pilgrims, from the moment of registration until their safe return, wishing them Godspeed and an accepted Hajj, forgiven sins, and a commendable effort.
Al Misifri stressed the need for all pilgrims to adhere to all measures and instructions issued by the authorities in the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. He implored them to carry the Hajj license paper during their commutation, whether in Makkah Al Mukarramah or the holy sites, to protect their safety and expeditiously perform their rites in a secure environment.