Emirati Grandmother Fulfills Lifelong Hajj Dream

More Than 6,000 Pilgrims Embark on Hajj – An 87-Year-Old Grandmother Fulfills Her Life's Dream

This year, the United Arab Emirates is granting 6,228 selected pilgrims the opportunity to participate in the Hajj ceremonies. These include young adults, middle-aged, and elderly people, reflecting the diversity of Emirati society. The common denominator: a deep spiritual desire to visit the holy sites at least once in their lifetime.

A Special Journey Begins

One of the most touching stories of the pilgrimage is of an 87-year-old grandmother who longed for decades to perform the Hajj. Due to health issues, family obligations, and the unpredictability of life, she was never able to realize her dream before now — but all obstacles have been cleared. She summed up her feelings in a single sentence: "This time, God called me."

The pilgrim participated in the Emirates Pilgrims Forum, which was held from May 20 to 22 in Abu Dhabi, at Energy Hub in the Al Bateen district. The forum aims to ensure that the pilgrimage is fulfilled smoothly, both spiritually and logistically.

Professional Support and Digital Innovations

The organizers thought of everything: participants listened to preparatory lectures, received personal counseling, and underwent health checks. This conscious preparation gave even the elderly strength. One participant mentioned that due to his age, he feared not being physically able to complete the journey, but the organization and care dispelled all his doubts.

The forum's highlight was the Interactive Digital Hajj Package — an innovative platform that guides pilgrims from registration to returning home. The system allows for sign-ups with digital identification, campaign selection, and contract signing, as well as offers real-time updates on travel, accommodation, and religious programs. At the end of the pilgrimage, personalized congratulations and feedback opportunities await the travelers, and there's even an option for charity donations.

Gift Package and Spiritual Community

Participants also received what is known as the "UAE Hajj Bag," which included an easily portable Qur'an designed for pilgrims. This gesture reflects the country's commitment to the spiritual well-being of its religious community.

Scholars from the Emirates Fatwa Council also attended the forum, providing support on theological questions. More than 60,000 people have pre-registered for the 2025 Hajj season, indicating the deep connection between the residents of the Emirates and the rituals of the pilgrimage.

The Power of Faith Across Generations

Not only the elderly but also young people prepared for their first pilgrimage. According to one young participant, the lectures and preparations helped them understand that the Hajj is not just a physical journey but an internal transformation. During the forum, it was reinforced that their faith is more than a daily habit — this experience reshapes thinking and the soul.

Summary

The Emirates Pilgrims Forum provided both logistical support and spiritual reinforcement to the pilgrims. The carefully planned event is an example of how technological advancement can merge with deep religious experience. In doing so, the UAE not only provides its citizens with the opportunity to complete the pilgrimage but ensures they do so with dignity, safety, and wholeheartedness.

(Source: Based on Emirates Pilgrims Forum.)