Hajj package prices to soar 20% as new tent rules drive up costs
Bahraini pilgrims who hoped for more affordable Hajj packages are instead confronting a steep price shock, as campaigns confirmed that 2026 packages will cost up to 20 percent more. The increase comes after last year's unexpected losses, with organisers citing higher operational expenses, particularly new requirements for tents in Arafat and Mina.
Rising costs
The reversal from earlier savings hopes to rising costs is striking. Campaign operators, who declined to be named, said expenses linked to new service standards had forced them to increase prices by BD200 to BD250. The adjustment translates into a 15 to 20 percent rise across most packages.
A source added that the hikes are seen as necessary to prevent a repeat of last year's financial setbacks.
Regulatory spotlight
The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Endowments has already received 67 applications from Bahraini campaigns seeking approval to operate next season. A meeting between the operators and the Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah Affairs is expected in the coming weeks to review preparations.
Dr. Ali Ameen Al-Rayyes, Director of Religious Affairs at the Ministry and Deputy Head of Bahrain's Hajj Mission, confirmed that new regulations will soon take effect. The rules will prevent campaigns from advertising packages or prices until they receive official approval.
Transparency push
Campaigns may still hold promotional exhibitions, but only if their content exactly matches the ministry-approved profile published online. Al-Rayyes stressed that the changes aim to build trust by ensuring pilgrims receive accurate and reliable information.
The regulations will also prohibit free Hajj offers or competitions that promise packages, closing the door on misleading promotions.
For pilgrims, the season ahead will bring clearer safeguards and stricter oversight, but it will also place a heavier burden on families already budgeting carefully for the spiritual journey of a lifetime.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
13 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Leaders Commend India
TDT | Manama Email : editor@ Bahrain's top parliamentary leaders extended warm congratulations to India on its 79th Independence Day, underscoring the strength of bilateral relations and pointing to new avenues of cooperation. Shura Council Chairman H.E. Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh and Speaker of the Council of Representatives H.E. Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam both sent congratulatory cables to India's Ambassador to Bahrain, H.E. Vinod Kurian Jacob, marking the occasion with formal messages of goodwill. Parliamentary cooperation In his responses, H.E. Ambassador Jacob expressed gratitude for the greetings and called for continued guidance in strengthening bilateral relations. He highlighted parliamentary cooperation as a vital area for growth between the two countries. H.E. the ambassador also noted a practical step forward, reporting that India had launched an electronic visa system for Bahraini nationals in July 2025, further easing people-to-people links. Milestone ahead The embassy further pointed out that India and Bahrain will complete 55 years of diplomatic relations in October 2026, an anniversary expected to provide fresh momentum to the longstanding partnership. The exchange of greetings, combined with the focus on parliamentary links and new visa access, underscores the steady evolution of India-Bahrain ties beyond ceremony into actionable cooperation.
Biz Bahrain
15 hours ago
- Biz Bahrain
Export Bahrain and AstroLabs ink MoU to support the expansion of Bahrain-based businesses into Saudi Arabia and the UAE
Export Bahrain signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AstroLabs, the leading platform supporting business expansion across the GCC, to establish a strategic partnership aimed at empowering Bahrain-based enterprises of all sizes and sectors to expand into the markets of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Under this agreement, both parties will collaborate to provide specialised market entry support, business development services, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of Bahraini enterprises regionally. The partnership also includes organising targeted workshops and training programmes, facilitating participation in major industry events and exhibitions, and providing access to AstroLabs' extensive regional and international network. This partnership reflects the shared commitment of both parties to support the sustainable growth of Bahrain-based businesses and strengthen their presence in priority markets. It also aligns with financing and additional support programmes that companies may benefit from through Tamkeen, subject to the necessary approvals. Fatima Aziz Rostam, Executive Director of Operations at Export Bahrain, said: 'This agreement marks an important milestone in our strategy to enable Bahrain-based businesses to compete and succeed in regional and international markets. Through our collaboration with AstroLabs, we are equipping these enterprises with the tools, expertise, and access needed for sustainable expansion into Saudi Arabia and the UAE.' Joe Kobrianos, Chief Strategy Officer at AstroLabs, said: 'As Bahrain's most ambitious companies look to scale beyond their borders, Saudi Arabia stands out as a key destination. Through this partnership with Export Bahrain, we're proud to offer Bahraini businesses a clear path into the Kingdom, backed by AstroLabs' on-the-ground expertise, deep local infrastructure, and proven track record of enabling seamless market entry. This collaboration reinforces our shared vision of building stronger regional corridors and unlocking new growth opportunities across the Gulf.' This collaboration is part of Export Bahrain's ongoing efforts to build strategic partnerships that empower Bahraini enterprises to innovate, grow, and enhance their global competitiveness. BNA(R)
Biz Bahrain
15 hours ago
- Biz Bahrain
Supported by the Labour Fund 'Tamkeen' Cohort 9 of the ‘Raise' Program Launches with 10 Bahraini Startups
Spring Venture Services has launched Cohort 9 of 'Raise: The Art of Fundraising' supported by The Labour Fund (Tamkeen). The program is a two-week intensive bootcamp designed to equip Bahraini startup founders with the skills and knowledge needed to secure investment and scale their businesses. 'Raise' Program prepares Bahraini startups to pitch at the ongoing StartUp Bahrain Pitch Series. The program is facilitated by Spring Venture Services, and global venture capital firm Salica Investments, empowering founders with tailored, hands-on mentorship in pitching, and business modeling, alongside access to MENA's leading investors to equip them with the tools and networks needed to accelerate their startup journey and achieve long-term success. This partnership aligns with Tamkeen's strategic priorities for 2025, which focus on enhancing the position and competitiveness of Bahrainis in the private sector, equipping Bahrainis with suitable skills for career development in the private sector, and prioritizing enterprise growth, digitization, and sustainability, and supporting the development of the ecosystem surrounding the labor market and private sector. Since its inception, 'Raise' has successfully conducted 7 bootcamps in preparation for 16 StartUp Bahrain Pitch events, helping 115 startups refine their investor readiness and secure essential funding. The program offers a comprehensive learning experience through interactive workshops, engaging fireside chats, and personalized one-on-one office hours providing founders with the essential skills to master fundraising, refine their pitch, and build a winning business strategy. A key highlight of the program is the StartUp Bahrain Pitch Series, where participating startups will have the opportunity to showcase their businesses before an esteemed panel of judges and an influential audience. These events are organised in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, including the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), Bahrain Economic Development Board, and Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), and StartUp Bahrain. The events conclude with the announcement of the winning startup, which receives a cash prize deployed against key milestones, along with potential further funding and support from program participating startups in Cohort 9, are: Unlabelled, Lamma , Thoubify App , Wajba, Jaras , Sirati , Benyany, FHD Technology , Esbitar, and WeFit.
