Omani Hajj Mission: Nearly 14,000 pilgrims complete requirements for 1446 AH
This came during a press conference held by the Omani Hajj Mission at the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs regarding the indicators, statistics, and improvements for this year's Hajj season.
His Excellency Ahmed bin Saleh Al Rashdi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and Head of the Omani Hajj Mission, stated that the Hajj quota for the Sultanate of Oman this year reached 14,000 pilgrims, including 13,530 Omani pilgrims and 470 resident pilgrims. The total quota was distributed among the governorates based on population density (number of residents) for each governorate aged 18 and above.
His Excellency added that Muscat Governorate topped the governorates' quota with 24 percent of the total quota, followed by North Al Batinah Governorate with 19 percent . Musandam Governorate received the lowest percentage, less than 1percent of the total approved quota.
His Excellency indicated that eligibility is granted electronically through the electronic registration system for pilgrims from the Sultanate of Oman, using mathematical equations based on Sharia principles and jurisprudential considerations that take into account various aspects and objectives, including the social aspect.
Al Rashdi explained that the indicators for the distribution of pilgrims by type of Hajj show that obligatory Hajj pilgrims accounted for the largest proportion, with a total of approximately 11,780 pilgrims, representing 84 percent of the total quota. They were followed by voluntary pilgrims, those performing Hajj on behalf of the disabled, those performing Hajj as a will, those performing Hajj on behalf of the deceased, and finally those with terminal illnesses.
Regarding indicators by age group, His Excellency stated that the 30-45 age group led the way with 39 percent , followed by the 45-60 age group, then those over 60 with approximately 16percent, and finally, the 18-30 age group with 5 percent .
Al Rashdi added that the majority of the pilgrims from the Sultanate of Oman chose to perform Hajj by air, with over 63 percent choosing to perform Hajj by air, while the percentage of land pilgrims reached 37 percent. The average cost of Hajj by land was OMR 1,417, compared to OMR 2,063 by air.
He stated that the Omani Hajj Mission launched a number of unique initiatives this year, including the Beit Al Rabat Endowments Initiative to support those eligible for Hajj during the 1446 AH season from social security categories. More than 150 pilgrims benefited from this initiative, totaling more than OMR 150,000.
Al Rashdi also noted the First Hajj and Umrah Exhibition, in which more than 30 entities from the public and private sectors participated.
Al Rashdi added that the Mobile Vehicles Initiative for the Elderly aims to provide vehicles for performing the Tawaf and Sa'i rituals, and is expected to benefit approximately 450 elderly and disabled pilgrims this season. Meanwhile, the Electronic Bracelets Initiative provides a number of electronic bracelets for the elderly and those with special medical conditions to enhance security, monitor follow-up, and reduce cases of loss.
His Excellency stated that the Hajj Companies Readiness Measurement Initiative aims to ensure the highest standards of efficiency and quality and improve Hajj companies' performance in line with the next phase of managing Omani pilgrims, based on specific performance indicators. Meanwhile, the initiative to expand the Omani pilgrims' transportation plan through land ports seeks to reduce the average bus wait time at the land port from 4 hours to approximately 45 minutes.
His Excellency explained that the mission has implemented a number of new improvements for this year's Hajj season (1446 AH) at Omani camps in the Holy Lands, covering several important aspects and service sectors. In the Mina camp, 75 new restrooms were added, bringing the total to 267, and 250 new washrooms and ablution facilities were added, bringing the total to 356. In the air conditioning sector, 150 new split units were added, bringing the total to 900 split units, in addition to other air conditioning systems.
In Arafat Camp, 100 new restrooms were added, bringing the total to 320, and 250 new ablution basins were added, bringing the total to 312. Air conditioning in Arafat Camp was also improved and enhanced, with a total of 60,000 air conditioning units per 32 square meters, compared to 40 square meters last season.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
5 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Military Technological College continues to welcome new students
Muscat: The Military Technological College (MTC) is continuing to welcome its new batch of female general diploma students. These students, who were accepted through the Higher Education Admission Centre of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, are completing the essential admission requirements, which include written exams, medical check-ups, and personal interviews. This year, the college opened admissions for both male and female students in its programmes (without employment). To create a comprehensive educational environment that meets various needs, the college is providing on-campus housing for male students and dedicated transportation for female students. The initiative reflects the MTC's commitment to supplying the local job market with qualified national talent capable of meeting the demands of national development. In its programmes (without employment), the MTC grants a bachelor's degree. Students who do not meet the academic requirements can receive an advanced diploma qualification after completing three years of specialised engineering studies. The academic journey at the college begins with a foundational year that includes courses in English, mathematics, physics, and computer science, preparing students for the specialised engineering programs. Throughout their academic path, students participate in practical training in labs and workshops based on their specialisations. They are assigned to major specialisations based on their preferences and their general education diploma results.
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
7 water, sanitation projects underway in Bausher
Muscat: Nama Water Services is moving forward with its strategic projects to integrate essential services and enhance the infrastructure system across Oman's governorates and wilayats. These projects include the sanitation sector, which covers sewage networks, treatment plants, and pumping stations, as well as treated water networks. Among the most prominent projects currently being implemented in Muscat Governorate are a package of seven sanitation network projects in the Wilayat of Bausher, with a total cost of OMR123 million. Eng. Jaafer Muhanna Al Hadrami, Project Manager for the Second Unit in Muscat Governorate, explained that the ongoing projects in Bausher include main and sub-lines for sanitation networks, totaling 311 kilometres in length. This also includes a 34-kilometre potable water network and other project components and annexes. In a statement to the Oman News Agency, he said that the construction of a sanitation network in Bausher Heights is currently underway at a cost of OMR17.5 million. The project, which will benefit 60,000 people, is expected to be completed in 2028 after a four-year implementation period. It includes 68 kilometres of sanitation networks, 1,100 inspection chambers, and 6,850 household connections. He noted that the project is currently 10 percent complete. He added that a sanitation network construction project is also being implemented in South Al Azaiba at a cost of OMR5.6 million. This project will benefit 13,000 people and is expected to be completed in 2027 over a three-year period. It involves 49 kilometres of sanitation networks, 1,714 inspection chambers, and 722 household connections, with a completion rate of 12 percent. Eng. Jaafer Al Hadrami confirmed that work continues on the first phase of the sanitation network rehabilitation project in North Al Ghubrah and North Al Azaiba, with a cost of OMR24 million. The project was awarded at the end of June and is expected to begin implementation after mid-September 2025. With a four-year timeline, it is set to be completed in 2028. The project involves a four-kilometre main sanitation line, the replacement of 812 inspection chambers, and the rehabilitation of the existing four-kilometre main line that connects the sanitation networks of North Al Ghubrah and Al Azaiba to the pumping station, as well as the replacement of 80 deep inspection chambers. He said that to enhance pumping operations for the ongoing projects, Nama Water Services is currently implementing a pumping station project in Bausher and Al Ansab at a cost of OMR21 million. Expected to be completed in 2028 over a four-year period, the project includes a pumping station with two 17-kilometre force mains and a 3.5-kilometre gravity-fed sanitation line to collect from the Al Ansab and Bawsher networks. The Project Manager for the Second Unit at Nama Water Services in Muscat added that the company is continuing to implement the sanitation network project in Al Ansab, which is 8 percent complete. It includes 4,180 household connections and is expected to be completed in 2028 over a four-year period. The project comprises 75.5 kilometres of sanitation networks and 1,160 inspection chambers, with an implementation cost of OMR25.7 million. In the Al Khuwair area of the Wilayat of Bausher, Eng. Jaafer Muhanna Al Hadrami mentioned that two projects are being implemented: Al Khuwair Project 1/17, at a cost of OMR14.3 million. It will include 882 household connections and is expected to be completed in 2029 over a five-year period. The project involves 30 kilometres of sanitation networks, a 15-kilometre potable water network, and a one-kilometre treated water network. The second project, he added, is Al Khuwair Project 2/17, costing OMR15 million. It will include 858 household connections and is also expected to be completed in 2029 over a five-year period. This project features 30 kilometres of sanitation networks, a 19-kilometre potable water network, and a 2.2-kilometre treated water network.
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Times of Oman
Oman showcases UNESCO associated schools experience at Hong Kong Forum
Hong Kong: Represented by the Ministry of Education, the Sultanate of Oman is participating in the Professional Development Forum for National Coordinators on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Education, held in Hong Kong during 4-8 August 2025. The event is jointly organized by the International Centre for UNESCO Associated Schools (ICUA) and the UNESCO Chair at the University of Hong Kong. The forum aims to empower educators to integrate intangible cultural heritage into curricula, develop innovative teaching methods, and inspire teachers and youth to become active contributors to cultural heritage preservation and global harmony. Yasriya Sulaiman Al Harthy, Director of the UNESCO Associated Schools, Youth Programs, and Clubs Department at the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science—and a member of the ICUA Governing Council—highlighted Oman's experience within the UNESCO Associated Schools Network. She emphasized cultural exchange as a bridge for mutual understanding and peacebuilding. She also discussed successful national programs in Oman, including the Cross-Continental Intangible Cultural Heritage Project, implemented in collaboration with Croatia and Denmark. This initiative fosters students' intercultural communication skills, reinforces national identity and pride, and prepares them to represent Oman at regional and international forums. The International Centre for UNESCO Associated Schools (ICUA) in China serves as an educational hub supporting the global network of UNESCO-associated schools. It promotes international cooperation and innovation through knowledge production, capacity-building, technical support, and information exchange. The center contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 by empowering students, teachers, and communities to shape a future of peace and sustainability through capacity development, youth engagement, research, and international collaboration.
