Latest news with #OmaniHajMission
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.
Muscat Daily
05-08-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Omani Haj Mission reports 96% pilgrim satisfaction
Muscat – Omani Haj Mission for 1446 AH has reported increased satisfaction among pilgrims, with overall satisfaction for services in Mina and Arafat camps reaching 96%, compared to 89% last year. The figures were shared at a press conference held on Tuesday by H E Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashidi, Undersecretary in Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and Head of the Haj Mission for 1446 AH. H E Rashidi stated that satisfaction with haj and umrah companies in Makkah and Madinah – covering awareness, guidance, logistics, food and other services – reached 98%. Satisfaction with security services stood at 100% and 99% for health services. The electronic registration system for Omani pilgrims also received high praise, recording a satisfaction rate of 99%. Satisfaction with entry and exit services via land and air ports reached 97.6%. According to the ministry, 5,122 pilgrims travelled by road and 8,878 by air, taking the total number of pilgrims to 14,000. Several initiatives were implemented this year to improve the haj experience, including Awqaf Bait al Rabat, which supported over 150 pilgrims with assistance amounting to more than RO150,000.
Muscat Daily
10-06-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Oman wins ‘Commitment to Health Capacity Award' for haj
Muscat – Oman has been honoured with the 'Commitment to Health Capacity Award' by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the official closing ceremony of the haj season 1446 AH. The award recognises the Omani Haj Mission's outstanding efforts in ensuring a high level of preparedness and delivering quality health services to Omani pilgrims. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of haj affairs offices and non-profit organisations involved in serving pilgrims during the season. Each year, the Omani Haj Mission is supported by a dedicated medical team from the Ministry of Health. This team includes doctors, nurses and pharmacists, and operates a clinic in coordination with Saudi health authorities to provide seamless care to pilgrims. During the event, Dr Tawfiq Fawzan al Rabiah, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Haj and Umrah, also announced the Preliminary Arrangements Document for the haj season 1447 AH. The document, delivered to haj affairs offices, outlines early preparations for the next season, covering contracts, site establishment, booking systems and integrated service mechanisms. Dr Rabiah attributed the success of haj 1446 AH to the coordinated efforts of government entities, civil society organisations and haj missions from across the Muslim world.
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
