Latest news with #OmaniHajjMission
Times of Oman
05-08-2025
- Times of Oman
Omani Hajj Mission reports 96% satisfaction rate with services in Mina, Arafat camps
Muscat: The Omani Hajj Mission for 1446 AH confirmed that the satisfaction rate with this year's Hajj season, in terms of overall services provided in the Mina and Arafat camps, reached 96%, compared to 89% in the 1445 AH season. This was announced during a press conference held by Ahmed Saleh Al Rashdi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and head of the Hajj Mission for 1446 AH. During the press conference, held at the ministry, he stated that the satisfaction rate among pilgrims regarding the performance of Hajj and Umrah companies in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Al Madinah Al Munawwarah—covering awareness campaigns, guidance, logistical services, and catering—reached 98%. Meanwhile, satisfaction with security services stood at 100%, and healthcare services at 99% during the 1446 AH Hajj season. He added that satisfaction with the electronic registration system for Omani pilgrims reached 99%, while satisfaction with entry and exit services through land and air ports was 97.6%. He noted that 5,122 pilgrims traveled via the land route, while 8,878 used air travel, achieving a 100% fulfillment rate with a total of 14,000 pilgrims. He also highlighted several key initiatives during the 1446 AH Hajj season, including the "Endowment for the House of Ribat" initiative, which benefited over 150 pilgrims with a total amount exceeding RO 150,000. Additionally, the mobile cart initiative to assist elderly and disabled pilgrims in performing Tawaf and Sa'i served 450 pilgrims.
Times of Oman
09-06-2025
- Times of Oman
Omani pilgrims begin departing Makkah after completing Hajj Rituals
Muscat: Today, the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH, pilgrims began departing Makkah after completing the Hajj rituals in an atmosphere of security and tranquility, by the grace of God. They benefited from an integrated system of services provided by the relevant authorities, which enabled them to perform the fifth pillar of Islam with ease and peace of mind. Pilgrims who chose to hasten their departure left Makkah yesterday, the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, after performing the stoning of the three Jamarat (Small, Middle, and Large) on the second day of Tashreeq. They concluded their pilgrimage with the Farewell Tawaf — the final circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba. Around 14,000 pilgrims from the Sultanate of Oman performed the Hajj rituals smoothly and comfortably, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Omani Hajj Mission's specialized delegations. The mission worked to meet the pilgrims' needs and provided a range of services to help them complete the Hajj successfully. The Omani Hajj Mission will continue offering its services until all Omani Hajj campaigns have departed the Holy Land.
Times of Oman
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Omani Hajj Mission Chief meets Saudi Crown Prince
Makkah: The Omani Hajj Mission 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 Saudi Arabia, for heads of delegations and pilgrim affairs offices who performed Hajj this year. The Sultanate of Oman was represented by His Excellency Ahmed Saleh Al Rashdi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and head of the Omani Hajj mission. His Excellency conveyed the greetings and appreciation of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman to the Saudi leadership for the blessed efforts it is making in serving the guests of God, praising the distinguished organisation and quality facilities that the Hajj season witnessed, which contributed to the performance of the rituals with ease and convenience.
Times of Oman
01-06-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Omani Hajj Mission participates in Grand Hajj Symposium in Jeddah
Jeddah: The Omani Hajj mission took part in the 49th edition of the Grand Hajj Symposium, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in collaboration with the Council of Senior Scholars and King Abdulaziz Foundation. Held under the theme "Capability in Hajj and Contemporary Developments," the event took place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah. Since its inception in 1397 AH (1977), the symposium has served as a leading knowledge platform, fostering scholarly and intellectual exchange among Islamic scholars and thinkers. It focuses on the religious, cultural, and social dimensions of Hajj, highlights Saudi Arabia's achievements in serving the guests of the Most Merciful, and showcases pioneering projects in the Two Holy Mosques. Additionally, it promotes intellectual dialogue to address challenges facing the Islamic world. The symposium commenced with a special meeting for heads of Hajj affairs offices from various Islamic countries, including the Omani delegation, to discuss coordination and cooperation in serving pilgrims. The opening session featured welcoming remarks, followed by the first main session, titled "Facilitating the Ritual and Empowering Pilgrims: Saudi Arabia's Vision in Serving Hajj Performers." This session highlighted the Kingdom's efforts in streamlining pilgrims' journeys—from arrival to departure—providing integrated healthcare, and ensuring their safety through security measures and regulatory permits. It also reviewed infrastructure development projects in Makkah and the holy sites. The second session, "The Concept of Capability in Islam and Its Role in Facilitating Hajj," discussed topics such as physical and financial capability (istita'ah) and the importance of educating pilgrims on its jurisprudential aspects. On the sidelines of the symposium, specialized workshops were held, with participation from the Omani Hajj mission, including sessions on healthcare services, and media and awareness. These aimed to enhance service quality for pilgrims and craft a global narrative for Hajj. The event concluded with a final statement emphasizing the need for stronger cooperation among Islamic nations to serve pilgrims and address contemporary challenges. Held for over four decades, the Grand Hajj Symposium underscores Saudi Arabia's role as a religious and cultural beacon. Oman's participation reflects its commitment to contributing to this intellectual forum, which fosters dialogue and unifies efforts to improve the Hajj experience. On the sidelines, Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah met with Ahmed Saleh Al Rashdi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and head of the Omani Hajj mission, along with heads of Hajj delegations from several brotherly and friendly countries. They discussed various topics related to organizing pilgrims' affairs.
Times of Oman
20-05-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Omani Hajj Mission: Nearly 14,000 pilgrims complete requirements for 1446 AH
Muscat: The number of pilgrims from the Sultanate of Oman for 1446 AH reached 13,944 pilgrims, who completed 99.6 percent of the Hajj requirements, while 56 pilgrims are still completing the procedures. 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.
