
Dubai Airports Launches Major Operational Plan to Support Hajj Pilgrims
Dubai Airports has activated a large-scale operational plan at Dubai International (DXB) to ensure a smooth and seamless travel experience for over 3,100 pilgrims departing for Hajj 2025.
The initiative, launched in coordination with government and airline partners, is designed to manage one of the busiest travel periods of the year, coinciding with Eid Al Adha and the summer peak. Pilgrims will travel on 28 dedicated flights operated by Emirates, flydubai, Saudia, and flynas. The official Dubai Government delegation will depart on 1 June from Terminal 3.
Dubai Airports, working alongside the oneDXB community—which includes Dubai Police, GDRFA, Customs, dnata, and others—has implemented several key measures. These include dedicated check-in counters across Terminals 1, 2, and 3, multilingual support staff, prayer rooms, and Ihram changing facilities. Designated baggage belts have also been assigned for the safe handling of Zamzam water.
Pilgrims are advised to arrive at DXB at least four hours before departure and carry essential documents such as a passport, Emirates ID, Hajj permit, and vaccination certificate.
Essa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports, said the collaborative effort aims to ensure pilgrims 'depart with confidence and return with ease.'
Return flights are expected between 9 and 12 June, with preparations in place to provide coordinated baggage support and a warm reception, including a token of appreciation.
The Hajj travel period is expected to overlap with a sharp rise in overall passenger traffic, further emphasizing the importance of this well-coordinated operation.
News Source: Emirates News Agency

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE residents seek cooler, cheaper Eid, summer destinations amid Schengen visa delays
UAE residents are increasingly opting for cooler, more affordable non-Schengen destinations amid visa difficulties and efforts to avoid overcrowded tourist hotspots ahead of Eid Al Adha and the summer break. Travel agencies in the UAE are seeing growing interest in alternative summer destinations, especially those that are visa-friendly and offer a cooler climate. Top choices include Salalah in Oman and Saudi Arabia's Aseer region, along with scenic destinations across Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe such as Bali, Japan, Zanzibar, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia. In the UAE, residents are set to enjoy up to a four-day break during Eid Al Adha next week, from June 5 to 8. Typically, during the school summer break from June to August, UAE citizens and expats flock to cooler European destinations like the UK, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Italy. However, this year, widespread visa delays are prompting a shift in travel plans. Appointments for the 29-country Schengen area remain unavailable until mid-August, and US visa slots are similarly backed up for the coming quarters. 'We've seen a noticeable increase in searches for non-Schengen, cooler destinations compared to the same period last year,' said Mamoun Hmidan, chief business officer at Wego. 'Delays in Schengen and US visa processing, combined with a preference for short-notice travel and less paperwork, are driving this shift. Travellers are also becoming more aware of beautiful, lesser-known alternatives.' Rashida Zahid, vice president of operations at confirmed the trend, particularly among last-minute travellers. 'There's a clear shift toward destinations that are easier to access and have pleasant weather, rather than traditional European hotspots,' she noted. Top visa-friendly summer escapes For GCC travellers, nearby cooler destinations such as Aseer and Abha in Saudi Arabia, particularly after Hajj, and Salalah in Oman during the Khareef season are becoming popular choices, thanks to their convenient e-visa options. Other popular options include Zanzibar, Bali, Japan, and Nepal, which also offer similarly straightforward entry procedures. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations including Georgia, Almaty (Kazakhstan), Armenia, Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Turkish cities like Trabzon and Antalya are gaining popularity. These places offer a mix of mountain retreats, coastal escapes, and lush landscapes — ideal for beating the UAE's intense summer heat without breaking the bank. Affordable getaway options Rashida Zahid shared that all-inclusive packages for cooler destinations start at just Dh2,200 for a 4-night, 5-day trip, covering flights, accommodation, transfers, and tours. Mamoun Hmidan added that Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, and its mountainous regions like Kazbegi are popular among UAE residents due to their cool temperatures, cultural richness, and visa-free entry. Average airfare is around $375 (Dh1,375). Armenia is another top choice, offering e-visa or visa-free access and average airfares of just $232 (Dh850), making it highly attractive for budget-conscious travellers. Azerbaijan's capital Baku is also gaining traction, combining a cosmopolitan vibe with cool Caspian breezes. 'There's a clear shift toward destinations that are affordable, easy to enter, and offer a break from the heat,' Hmidan noted. Discovering hidden gems UAE residents are increasingly opting for travel 'off the beaten path,' in line with the global post-pandemic trend of avoiding crowded tourist hubs and discovering hidden gems. 'Many travellers are adjusting their timelines due to visa appointment delays, booking more flexible and refundable trips, and selecting backup destinations with easier visa access,' said Hmidan. Rashida Zahid observed that travellers are becoming more proactive, planning trips four to six months in advance — especially for the busy summer season — due to limited visa appointment availability.


Dubai Eye
3 hours ago
- Dubai Eye
UAE Ambassador approves of Emirati camps ahead of 2025 Hajj pilgrimage
UAE Ambassador to Saudi Arabia His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Saif Al Nahyan inspected the final preparations for the Emirati pilgrims' camps in the holy sites of Mina and Arafat ahead of the 2025 Hajj season, expressing full confidence in the provision of comfort and safety. The UAE Hajj Committee oversees the preparation of camps in Mina and Arafat, with round-the-clock monitoring to ensure the readiness of facilities and services- including housing and healthcare- in accordance with the standards approved by the UAE Hajj Affairs Office. The annual Hajj pilgrimage is observed annually during the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, worshipers are expected to head to Saudi Arabia to perform the holy rites between June 4 and 9. The UAE Ambassador was accompanied during the tour by His Excellency Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Derei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat and Chairman of the UAE Pilgrims' Affairs Office; His Excellency Nasser bin Huwaiden Al Ketbi, UAE Consul General in Jeddah; His Excellency Ahmed Rashid Al Neyadi, Director General of the Authority and Deputy Chairman of the Hajj Affairs Office, and a number of officials. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Saif Al Nahyan affirmed his full confidence in the capabilities of the field teams to provide integrated services, praising the efforts to ensure the highest levels of comfort and safety for UAE pilgrims throughout their stay in the holy sites, with the support of the UAE's wise leadership. He also praised the efforts of the Kingdom and its wise leadership.


Time Out Abu Dhabi
7 hours ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Eid fireworks in Abu Dhabi: all the spots in the capital to watch the displays
Eid Al Adha in the UAE is here and with it come the traditional Eid firework displays we all love. There will be beautiful shows all over the capital, so make sure you plan ahead to get a good view. From the centrally located Corniche all the way to Yas Bay, you'll be spoilt for choice. More: The best things to do for Eid Al Adha in Abu Dhabi Eid fireworks in Abu Dhabi: where to watch the displays Eid fireworks in Yas Island Yas Island is really spoiling us with not one, not two, but three (!!) days of fireworks! On all three days of Eid – from Friday June 6 to Sunday June 8 – head down to Yas Bay Waterfront for beautiful displays over the water. With plenty of excellent dining options (including a few of our Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards winners), it's the perfect excuse to enjoy an evening with family or friends. Free. Fri Jun 6-Sun Jun 8 9pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island. Eid fireworks in the Corniche If you find yourself in Abu Dhabi city, then head to the Corniche for the Eid fireworks display. With a beautiful promenade by the water, it's a great place to unwind – especially since there will be no work in the morning. Free. Fri Jun 6, 9pm. The Corniche, Abu Dhabi. Eid fireworks in Al Ain If you find yourself in beautiful Al Ain over Eid, then head to Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium at 9pm on all three days of Eid for a spectacular fireworks display. Free. Fri Jun 6-Sun Jun 8 9pm. Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain. Dates, times and locations were correct at the time of publishing. Please check for the latest updates. Eid in Abu Dhabi How to celebrate Eid Al Adha in Abu Dhabi Start planning now The best beaches in Abu Dhabi for a relaxing day in the sun Ready, set, sunbathe 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go