UAE Citizens: Get Ready for Hajj 2026!

Hajj 2026: Registration Opens for UAE Citizens

The United Arab Emirates has officially announced that registration for the Hajj pilgrimage in 2026 (1447 AH) will commence on September 24 for its citizens. Awqaf – the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments and Zakat – has called on those citizens who have yet to fulfill their Hajj duty to apply in a timely manner and thoroughly prepare for the journey.

Registration will be conducted exclusively online through the official Awqaf website and its smartphone application. The application period will close on October 9. The relevant authorities emphasized that applicants must strictly meet the criteria outlined by the system, details of which will be published before the registration period.

Why is registration so early?

The logistics of Hajj is a massive task, involving millions of participants worldwide each year. Preparations begin months in advance to ensure not just travel tickets, accommodations, and permits, but also the spiritual and physical readiness of participants. UAE authorities, drawing from past years’ experiences, have decided to open the 2026 Hajj registration as early as September 2024, allowing for thorough planning and organization.

Who can apply?

This announcement specifically targets UAE citizens who have not yet completed the Hajj pilgrimage. This aligns with the principle that every Muslim should perform the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime, if able. In the previous Hajj season – 1446 AH / 2025 – Awqaf approved applications from 6,228 pilgrims, corresponding to the quota allocated to the country by Saudi Arabia.

The registration system operates electronically, utilizing artificial intelligence and advanced data processing technologies to select eligible candidates. This system not only speeds up the selection process but also ensures a fairer evaluation of applications.

The Significance of Hajj

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a religious duty for every financially and physically able Muslim believer. During the pilgrimage, believers travel to Mecca and perform strict rituals over several days. The spiritual experience can be profound and impact all areas of life, emphasizing purification, forgiveness, and equality.

Hajj is not just a religious event, but a massive communal experience as well: millions of Muslims gather from all over the world, regardless of nationality, social status, or skin color, to perform the rituals together. This unity and camaraderie are rare examples in the modern world.

What should applicants consider?

Applicants should consider several crucial aspects before starting the registration:

Health status: Hajj is physically demanding, and only those capable of enduring it should apply.

Financial coverage: The travel costs must be borne by the applicants themselves, while the government supports with administration and organization.

Documents: It is important that the passport is valid and all necessary visas are obtained in time.

Vaccinations: Saudi Arabia imposes strict health requirements, including mandatory vaccinations, which the UAE Ministry of Health also follows.

Advantages of the electronic system

The electronic registration system implemented by Awqaf offers numerous advantages. Not only is it conveniently accessible from home, but it also allows the system to automatically check previous pilgrimages, excluding those who have already participated in Hajj. The aim of digitization is not only to reduce administrative work but also to ensure the selection process is completely transparent.

In recent years, many positive feedbacks have been received from applicants regarding the new system. They particularly appreciated the rapid communication, the ability to track their status, and the information available through the smart application.

What happens after registration?

Those who successfully register and meet the criteria will be notified and can begin preparing for the pilgrimage. The official bodies provide support at multiple levels: informative lectures, medical examinations, and logistical assistance are available to them.

Summary

The registration for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage represents another important step for the UAE religious communities. The digital system, announced timelines, and detailed information allow individuals to prepare thoroughly and consciously for one of the most defining spiritual experiences of their lives. For those who feel that the time has come to fulfill their religious obligation of Hajj, they can now embark on the path – both literally and metaphorically.

(Source of the article: General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat's (Awqaf) announcement.)