The Ministry for Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia revealed its roadmap for the 2024 Hajj during a ceremony held in Makkah on Friday. Tawfiq Al Rabiah, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, unveiled the plan in the presence of heads and representatives of Hajj Missions in the Kingdom. The event marked the conclusion of the 2023 Hajj exercise.
According to Al Rabiah, preparations for the 2024 Hajj will commence immediately with the issuance of letters to countries that have announced the beginning of their preparations. Letters confirming the number of pilgrim slots for the 2024 Hajj will also be issued to participating countries.
The roadmap for the 2024 Hajj includes a series of preparatory meetings scheduled to take place from September 16 to November 4. Additionally, an International Symposium and Exhibition is slated for January 8, 2024. Other key milestones include the conclusion of accommodation and Masha’er contracts on February 25, 2024, the commencement of visa issuance on March 1, 2024, the closure of visa issuance on April 29, 2024, and the arrival of the first set of 2024 Pilgrims into Saudi Arabia on May 9, 2024.
Al Rabiah emphasized that the first Hajj Mission to complete all preparations will have the opportunity to choose its preferred locations at the Masha’er (Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah) for the 2024 Hajj.
The minister expressed his gratitude to all agencies and Hajj missions for their roles in the 2023 exercise. He also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to serving the Guests of Allah in the best possible manner by obtaining feedback from Hajj Missions and continuously improving its services.
During the ceremony, the winners of the 2023 Labbaikum Hajj Services award were announced. Iraq emerged as the overall best Hajj mission for the 2023 Hajj. Other countries such as Malaysia, Gambia, Bahrain, Singapore, South Africa, and Azerbaijan were also recognized for excellence in various aspects of the Hajj operations.
The unveiling of the roadmap for the 2024 Hajj signifies Saudi Arabia’s dedication to ensuring a smooth and well-organized pilgrimage experience for Muslims from around the world. With meticulous planning and continuous improvements, the Kingdom aims to provide a safe and memorable journey for pilgrims on this sacred occasion.