UAE ambassador to KSA inspects pilgrims' camps ahead of Hajj 2025
Senior officials join site inspection tour
He was accompanied by Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat and Head of the UAE Pilgrims Affairs Office, Nasser bin Huwaiden Al Ketbi, the UAE Consul-General in Jeddah, along with several officials.
Ambassador affirms readiness and commends team efforts
Sheikh Nahyan expressed his full confidence in the capabilities of the on-ground teams to deliver comprehensive services, praising the efforts made to ensure the highest standards of comfort and safety for UAE pilgrims during their stay in the holy sites.
UAE and Saudi leadership praised for continued support
He also extended appreciation to the wise leadership of both the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their support. These efforts reaffirm the UAE's commitment to providing all necessary services to ensure the comfort and safety of its pilgrims.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tourism Breaking News
15 hours ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Baheej unveils boutique wellness resort as Fourth Component of Yanbu Waterfront Project
Post Views: 39 Baheej has announced the fourth component of its transformative Yanbu Waterfront Project: a 34-room boutique Wellness resort that brings together ancestral wellness wisdom and contemporary design inspired by the region's seafaring heritage. Set along the serene shores of Yanbu, the 34-room resort will offer guests an immersive retreat anchored in wellness, culture, and tranquillity. The resort will feature private sea-view cabanas, curated wellness programs, and a signature spa architecturally inspired by the pearl—a historic emblem of Yanbu's maritime past and a symbol of renewal and calm. Norah Al Tamimi, CEO of Baheej, added: 'This project is a reflection of Baheej's vision to enrich Saudi destinations with meaning, not just infrastructure. Our wellness resort is more than a place to stay — it's an experience crafted around the values of balance, beauty, and belonging. We believe it will become a new symbol of Yanbu's evolving identity as a serene coastal escape.' Through this addition, Baheej continues to offer guests opportunities to reconnect with curated experiences that include meditation at sunrise, movement rituals inspired by coastal rhythms, and wellness treatments rooted in Arabic healing traditions and native ingredients. The wellness resort joins a growing collection of destination-defining assets developed by Baheej in Yanbu, including Cloud 7Lifestyle hotel by Kerten Hospitality, Kaynuna Beach Escape and the upcoming Jaba Tour Centre and Diving Club.
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
‘It feels surreal': Thousands of Emirati pilgrims now in Makkah for sacred Hajj
3 June 2025 01:00 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Thousands of UAE pilgrims have arrived in the holy city of Makkah, ready to begin the sacred rites of Hajj after months of preparation and anticipation. Saudi Arabia announced that the annual pilgrimage will begin on June 4 upon the sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent year, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat (Awqaf) approved a total of 6,228 UAE pilgrims for the 1446 AH / 2025 AD Hajj season, in accordance with the quota allocated by Saudi authorities. A significant 91% of the pilgrims are performing Hajj for the first time, while the rest include 'mahrams', companions, and supervisors from the UAE Hajj Affairs registration process for UAE residents was conducted between September 19 and 30, 2024, via the official Awqaf smart app and website. To be eligible, applicants had to be UAE citizens aged 12 or older and not have performed Hajj in the last five seasons. Priority was given to those who had never performed Hajj, especially people of determination, the elderly, and individuals with chronic tour operators in the UAE began preparations at the start of the year, with growing interest from eligible pilgrims until the final list was announced on February 5. 'Our pilgrims arrived in Makkah between May 28 and June 1,' Faisal Raheem, operations manager at a licensed Hajj and Umrah operator in Abu Dhabi, told Aletihad . 'After settling in, they performed Umrah right away. Now, they're resting, attending educational sessions, and preparing mentally and spiritually for the days ahead.' Peaceful and Surreal Abdullah, a 34-year-old Emirati pilgrim who is performing Hajj for the first time described his experience in Makkah as 'surreal'.'I'm now spending as much time as I can praying and making du'a,' he said. 'The heat is tough, but the spirit here makes you forget the discomfort,' he told Aletihad. Aisha Al Hammadi, a 41-year-old teacher from Sharjah, noted the importance of both physical and spiritual readiness ahead of the pilgrimage. 'I started preparing months ago,' she told Aletihad. 'I attended workshops, listened to lectures online, and walked daily to build stamina. But the most important part was preparing my heart and making peace with people.'Hamda, 25, is attending the pilgrimage with her father, sister, and aunt. 'It feels so surreal seeing this many people gather in one spot to worship Allah,' she told Aletihad. 'Although the place is very packed, the peacefulness of these great days is overwhelming.' Hajj Guide Hajj packages from the UAE are priced between Dh27,000 and Dh55,000, depending on hotel category, duration of stay, and proximity to the holy sites, according to Heba Ahmad, an agent at a licensed tour operator in Abu Dhabi. These packages include flights, accommodation, local transportation, and logistical support.'Our team arrives a day or two early to make sure everything is in place,' Ahmad told Aletihad. 'We also have staff who accompany the groups throughout the pilgrimage.'Pilgrims are encouraged to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' 'Twajudi' service to ensure easy communication and receive assistance in case of an emergency. Additionally, 62 supervisory personnel from the UAE Hajj Affairs Office are on the ground to oversee the delivery of top-quality services, adherence to health guidelines, and proper performance of religious rites.
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Al Darei: UAE commends Saudi Hajj system for serving pilgrims
The meeting was also attended by His Excellency Ahmed Rashid Al-Neyadi, Director General of the Authority and Deputy Chairman of the Hajj Affairs Office, along with senior officials from both countries. Strengthening the strategic partnership Dr Al Darei expressed the UAE's appreciation for the strong collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. He lauded Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to monitor and serve pilgrims, noting that the Kingdom's continual infrastructure expansion, integration of advanced technologies, and personnel training have significantly contributed to a seamless and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience. A shared vision for Hajj services The two sides explored opportunities to further enhance coordination in providing exceptional Hajj services. Discussions included improving logistical, healthcare, and awareness services in alignment with the UAE's strategy of offering smart, sustainable solutions for pilgrims. Dr Al Darei also presented the UAE Hajj Affairs Office's latest initiatives, such as new digital registration platforms, underscoring the nation's commitment to pilgrim wellbeing and satisfaction. Reinforcing fraternal relations The meeting underscored the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, highlighting their shared dedication to collaboration in ensuring safe, dignified, and spiritually enriching experiences for all pilgrims.
