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Observer
7 days ago
- Observer
96% pilgrim satisfaction in quality of Haj service
The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs (MoARA) praised the successful Haj pilgrimage from the Sultanate of Oman during 1446 AH, corresponding to 2025. The Omani Haj Mission reported significant improvements in services for Omani pilgrims in Mina and Arafat, with a 96 per cent success rate in a poll on 27 indicators of service quality during the Haj 1446 AH (2025) compared to 85 per cent in 1445 AH (2024). Speaking to the Observer on the sidelines of the annual Haj conclusion press conference, Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and Head of the Haj Mission for 1446 AH, said satisfaction with Haj and umrah companies reached 98 per cent. 'Similarly, the satisfaction rate with security services reached 100 per cent, and with health services reached 99 per cent during the Haj season of 1446 AH. The level of satisfaction based on the overall services provided at Mina and Arafat camps reached 96 per cent, compared to 89 per cent for the 1445 AH season,' he said, appreciating all those involved in making the season smooth and hassle-free. Regarding Haj and Umrah companies in Mecca and Madinah, he stated that the pilgrims' satisfaction rate with the performance of the rituals, including awareness, guidance, logistics, food services and other services, exceeded the expected levels. Additionally, Oman's quota of 14,000 Haj pilgrims has been maintained, and efforts are ongoing to keep it the same. 'The satisfaction rate with the electronic registration system for pilgrims from the Sultanate of Oman reached 99 per cent. The number of pilgrims who travelled by land reached 5,122, and by air reached 8,878. The satisfaction levels with entry and exit services via land and air ports reached 97.6 per cent, which is a commendable achievement. In addition, the mobile vehicle initiative for performing the Tawaf and Sa'i rituals targeted 450 elderly pilgrims and those with special needs,' he said. A total of 14,000 pilgrims attended Haj this year. Additionally, there were many qualitative initiatives during the Haj season of 1446 AH, including the 'Awqaf Bait al Rabat' initiative, which benefited more than 150 pilgrims, with a total amount exceeding RO 150,000. On the other hand, there were challenges, according to Al Rashdi, which include the delay caused in approving the quota of service elements accompanying Haj companies, organisational and administrative challenges in pilgrims' transit via the land route, and the readiness of the camp infrastructure during the pilgrimage.
Observer
09-06-2025
- Observer
Omani pilgrims lauds flawless Haj
Pilgrims from Oman will return on Thursday after the successful completion of the final rituals of Haj 1446, according to the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. Before leaving the holy land, the pilgrims would do another 'Tawaf ' around the Holy Kaaba and hold special prayers for the suffering Palestinians. Tawaf is the ritual of circumambulation of Mecca, in which the pilgrims offer prayers to the Almighty. Pilgrims will be able to complete it according to the dates of their return home. This year, Oman sent 14,000 pilgrims to the holy city comprising 13,530 Omanis and 470 expats. "Our pilgrims who used the ministry portal for the same, will return in batches from Thursday after the final rituals," said a spokesperson from the ministry. He further said that the beautiful moments of love and brotherhood that several millions of believers from different parts of the world spent in the holy land for six days, regardless of their nationality or language, are an example to the world. The pilgrims, led by Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, and Head of the Omani Haj Mission, reached well before the actual rituals so that they could carry out the step-by-step procedures of Haj 1446. Following successful departure of pilgrims, entry restrictions to Mecca will be lifted from Wednesday. Umrah permits for foreigners will be issued from June 14. However, those within Saudi Arabia will be allowed from the 11th. Oman Haj Mission lauded Saudi Arabia for the flawless implementation of Haj. The Omani pilgrims have lauded the Saudi authorities, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah and its partners for immaculate organising of the Haj and for excellent crowd management. According to statistics, over 1.4 million international pilgrims representing more than 130 countries arrived at the holy sites this week and were transported safely and efficiently via over 20,000 buses and the Mashair Train network. 'This is one of the largest coordinated people-movements on Earth. Pilgrims were able to fulfil their rites in peace and without crowding — on their own schedule," he said. Saudi Arabia's mastery of crowd management is the result of decades of experience hosting the world's largest recurring religious gathering. Every Haj season builds on the last, with extensive simulations, audits, and post-event analysis feeding into a dynamic system of continuous improvement. The Kingdom's ability to harmonise massive movement with minimal disruption is not only a logistical achievement — it's a spiritual service. 'Everything felt so calm and organised,' said Fatima Ahmed, a first-time pilgrim. 'I was nervous before arriving in Saudi, but the way we were guided made it feel like the journey was being carried out for us.' The Kingdom's Haj operation is now studied globally as a model for managing mass gatherings — religious or otherwise. With its seamless fusion of technology, infrastructure, cultural empathy, and governance, the Kingdom has shown the world how to manage crowds with care, precision, and purpose.
Observer
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Omani Mission attends reception for heads of Haj delegations
MECCA: The Omani Haj Mission on Saturday participated in the annual reception hosted, on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), for the heads of Haj missions and delegations and pilgrim affairs offices who performed Haj this year. The Sultanate of Oman was represented by Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and Head of the Omani Haj Mission. Al Rashdi conveyed the greetings and appreciation of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman to the Saudi leadership for their efforts in organizing the pilgrimage. He praised the distinguished organization and quality facilities provided by the Saudi authorities during the Hajj season which contributed to a seamless performance of the rituals. — ONA
Observer
23-05-2025
- Observer
Omani Haj Mission leaves for Mecca
MUSCAT: The Omani Haj Mission for this year departed the country on Saturday, heading to the Holy Land. The mission was bid farewell at Muscat International Airport by Dr Mohammed bin Said al Maamari, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. Led by Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, the mission was set to proceed to its headquarters in Makkah upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. During their time in Makkah and Madinah, the Omani Haj Mission will assist Omani pilgrims, residents and other guests in carrying out their Haj rituals smoothly. — ONA
Observer
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Observer
MoARA announces official Haj mission members
Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs (MoARA) announced this year's (corresponding to Hijri Year 1446) official group for Haj pilgrimage with Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and the Head of the Omani Haj Mission as the team leader, according to a Ministerial Resolution No 131/2025. The ministry further said that as per Article Two, the mission will leave for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the 25th of Dhul Qa'ada 1446 AH, corresponding to May 23, 2025, and will return to the Sultanate of Oman on the 16th of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH, corresponding to June 12, 2025. Detailing the decisions pertaining to Haj pilgrimage, Dr Mohammed bin Said al Maamari, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, said that as per the attached statement to Ministerial Resolution No 2025/131, Members of the Omani Haj Mission for the year 1446 AH, Dr Ahmed bin Ali bin Mubarak al Kaabi will lead the mission while Dr Zaher bin Abdullah al Hosni, Dr Abdullah bin Said al Maamari, and Ibrahim bin Nasser bin Mohammed al Kharousi will assist in further taking care of the pilgrims throughout. While the Second Article stipulated the delegation of Fatwa and Religious Guidance, the Article 3 says that the head of the mission shall take the necessary measures to implement the decisions in coordination with the relevant authorities. Other members include, but not limited to, Azzan bin Nasser al Ameri, Walid bin Suleiman al Qari, Abdulmunim bin Mohammed al Kharousi, Yaqoub bin Yousef al Wadhahi, Salim bin Nasser al Saifi, Ahmed bin Mohammed al Wahaibi, Nasser bin Said al Ruzaiqi, Dr Saud bin Said al Habsi, Hamoud bin Said al Harthy and others will form the official Haj Mission from Oman to the holy land of Saudi Arabia. The meeting also formed Administrative and financial delegation with Nasr bin Nasser al Kharousi as the Head of the delegation, and Financial Affairs and Auditing with Rashid bin Marhoon bin Rashid al Hatali as the head.
