Latest news with #OmaniHajjMission
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- 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.
Observer
20-05-2025
- Observer
13,530 Omanis, 470 residents to perform Hajj from Oman
Muscat: The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) and Head of the Omani Hajj Mission said that the Hajj quota allocated for the Sultanate of Oman this year is for 14,000 pilgrims, including 13,530 Omanis and 470 residents. |The total quota was distributed among the Sultanate's governorates based on the population density of each governorate, aged 18 and above. Muscat Governorate topped the list of governorates in terms of the number of pilgrims, representing 24 percent of the total quota, followed by North Al Batinah Governorate with 19 percent. Musandam Governorate received the lowest percentage, representing less than one percent of the total approved quota. The Head of the Mission indicated that eligibility to perform Hajj is granted 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. Hajj pilgrims accounted for the largest proportion of the total quota, with 11,780 pilgrims, representing 84%. 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 incurable diseases. The head of the mission explained that the age group from 30 to 45 years old constituted the highest percentage of pilgrims this year at 39%, followed by the age group from 45 to 60 years old with a slight difference (0.1 %), then those over 60 years old at 16%, and finally those from 18 to 30 years old at 5%. 63% of Omani pilgrims chose to travel by air, while 37% opted to perform the rituals by land. The average cost of Hajj by land was RO1,417, compared to RO2,063 for Hajj by air. Omani Hajj Mission has launched several initiatives this season, including the Rabat House Endowments Initiative to support more than 150 pilgrims from social security categories. The first Hajj and Umrah Exhibition with local and international participation and mobile vehicles to serve 450 elderly and disabled pilgrims Facilities: 75 new toilets and 250 new sinks in Mina Increasing the number of split air conditioning units to 900 units. In Arafat, 100 new restrooms, 250 sinks, and improved air conditioning systems to cover 32 sqm per unit instead of 40. The mission also launched other initiatives, including Electronic bracelets for the elderly and the sick An initiative to measure the readiness of Hajj companies according to performance indicators. Expanding the Hajj pilgrims' transit plan through land ports, reducing waiting time from 4 hours to just 45 minutes.
Observer
15-05-2025
- Observer
Omani pilgrims told to follow rules on sacrificial animals
Muscat: The Omani Hajj Mission urged all licensed Hajj and Umrah operators to abide by the regulations set by the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the purchase of sacrificial animals (udhiyah and hady). In a statement, the mission confirmed that contracting for sacrificial services during the 1446 Hajj season must be done exclusively through approved platforms such as the Nusuk or Masar platforms, or direct purchase via the official sacrificial program of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to the Hajj mission, using unauthorised sources for the purchase of sacrificial animals is strictly prohibited. It aims to guarantee that all practices are carried out under Islamic legal standards.
