20-05-2025
Haj preparations finalised for Oman's 14,000 pilgrims
Muscat – Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) announced on Tuesday that a total of 13,944 pilgrims from the sultanate have completed formalities to perform haj this year. The remaining 56, from the country's full quota of 14,000, are currently completing procedures.
The figures were released at a press conference on the 2025 haj season held on Tuesday.
H E Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, MERA Undersecretary and Head of Oman Haj Mission, informed that Oman's quota includes 13,530 citizens and 470 expatriates. Allocation across governorates was based on population density of residents aged 18 and above. Muscat received the highest share at 24%, followed by North Batinah with 19%, while Musandam received less than 1%.
According to H E Rashdi, eligibility was determined through an electronic registration system using mathematical models grounded in sharia and jurisprudential principles. The process also took into account social and ethical criteria.
Of the total, 11,780 pilgrims (84%) are undertaking haj as an obligatory religious duty. The remaining are voluntary pilgrims – individuals performing haj on behalf of the deceased, the incapacitated or terminally ill patients. H E Ahmed bin Saleh al Rash-di, MERA Undersecretary and Head of Oman Haj Mission
Thirty-nine per cent pilgrims are in the 30-45 age group, followed by those aged 45-60. Pilgrims aged over 60 account for 16%, while 5% are aged between 18 and 30.
Travel preferences showed 63% pilgrims chose to travel by air, while 37% opted for land transport. The average cost by land is RO1,417, compared to RO2,063 by air.
Several new initiatives have been introduced by Oman Haj Mission this year. Beit al Rabat Endowments Initiative is providing support worth more than RO150,000 to over 150 pilgrims from social security categories.
To assist the elderly and disabled pilgrims, vehicles have been introduced for use during the Tawaf and Sa'i rituals, benefiting approximately 450 individuals. Electronic bracelets have also been issued to the elderly and medically vulnerable pilgrims to enhance tracking and safety.
