Latest news with #Sa'i
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.
Sharjah 24
08-06-2025
- Sharjah 24
Pilgrims in a hurry perform Farewell Tawaf with ease
In line with Quranic teachings Pilgrims who chose to hasten their departure in accordance with Islamic teachings were following the words of God Almighty: 'And remember God during the appointed days. But whoever hastens [to depart] in two days, there is no sin upon him, and whoever delays, there is no sin upon him – for him who fears God. And fear God and know that to Him you will be gathered.' High readiness at the Grand Mosque Despite the intense flow of pilgrims, the Grand Mosque operated efficiently due to the high readiness and collaborative efforts of the involved agencies. The operational strategy ensured that pilgrims were able to perform their rites smoothly and without disruption. Smooth movement and transportation Authorities utilized all available resources to ensure smooth movement and transportation within the Grand Mosque. Field services played a key role, supported by a large number of electric and hand-operated carts, as well as the installation of smart gates that helped regulate the entry and exit of pilgrims. Capacity at Safa and Marwa The capacity for performing Sa'i, the ritual walk between Safa and Marwa, reached approximately 118,000 pilgrims per hour. To further ease the pilgrims' journey, ablution carts and designated luggage storage areas were provided to support seamless movement and service access. Comprehensive support services A wide array of support services was in place within the Grand Mosque's courtyards, including two hospitals, 99 restrooms, and over 50 field guidance points. These were complemented by mobile foot teams who actively guided and assisted pilgrims during their final rituals. Royal directives to serve pilgrims All these efforts were carried out under the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Their aim is to ensure the highest level of service for the Guests of God, allowing them to perform their rituals in a secure, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilling environment.
Sharjah 24
31-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SA enhances pilgrims' journey with exceptional services
Seamless travel experience through strategic coordination Al Raisi highlighted the airport's dedication to delivering a comfortable and efficient experience. This is achieved through close coordination with strategic partners to ensure designated rest areas for pilgrims of all nationalities, streamlined procedures using smart gates, accelerated baggage weighing, additional trolley availability, guidance services and Arabic hospitality, and distribution of gifts and souvenirs. Well wishes for pilgrims In closing, Al Raisi wished all pilgrims a blessed Hajj, a spiritually fulfilling Sa'i, and a safe return to their homelands.
Muscat Daily
20-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
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.
Arab News
06-03-2025
- Arab News
Grand Mosque authority introduces hair cutting service for exiting ihram
MAKKAH: Five stations have been set up in the courtyard of Makkah's Grand Mosque for pilgrims to have their heads shaved in the Islamic practice of exiting from the state of ihram. The new service allows pilgrims to shave their head or cut their hair at designated locations. The initiative was introduced for the first time this Ramadan by the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. These stations can be relocated as needed during periods of high congestion and are staffed by experienced specialists using sterilized equipment. Mohammed Asiri, a Hajj and Umrah affairs specialist and religious researcher, said that exiting from ihram after completing the Umrah rituals is an essential final step in completing Umrah, where pilgrims shave their heads or trim their hair after completing the Sa'i walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa. 'This practice follows the Prophetic Sunnah, as Prophet Mohammed instructed his companions to shave or trim their hair after performing Umrah,' Asiri said. He added that men typically prefer complete shaving, while women need only trim a small portion of their hair. The ritual symbolizes purification and renewal after worship and marks the end of ihram restrictions that began when pilgrims entered the miqat, or boundary, where ihram is required. Fahd Al-Hamidi, who used the service at the Grand Mosque, said the initiative was 'an extension of Saudi Arabia's significant efforts to serve pilgrims from around the world.' He said that the service is just one of thousands provided by Saudi Arabia to simplify the rituals of Umrah performers. Al-Hamidi described the exit from ihram as a joyful moment that brings a sense of relief and spiritual closeness to Allah. He said that this simple procedure carries deep spiritual meaning, symbolizing renewal and purification from sins and beginning a new page full of faith and piety. The ritual is 'a profound spiritual symbol of submission to Allah's commands and the Prophet's Sunnah,' Al-Hamidi said. 'With these modern solutions, like mobile barbershop units, this important final step of Umrah has become more convenient and efficient for pilgrims.'
