Dubai - Details about government services when travelling for Haj for nationals and expatriates.
The tour operator will apply for a visa on behalf of the pilgrim after which the Ministry of Haj and Umra in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will issue the visa.
Women who are aged below 45 years will have to show proof of Mahram (accompaniment of a male relative) to get the visa.
The tour operator will book flights tickets and hotel for the pilgrim. The cost of Haj and Umrah package may vary depending upon the grade of accommodation and services, proximity to the Holy Mosque, mode of transportation and airline travel class.
It is mandatory for pilgrimage operators to provide pilgrims with suitable residence licensed by the Ministry of Haj and the Civil Defence in the KSA. Besides, the accommodation should conform to the standard set by the authorities in terms of quality, hygiene, age of buildings, accessibility and capacity.
Health checkup
For list of health centers offering Haj vaccinations, please visit www.haad.ae/vaccine Or call 800 555.
How to arrive in Saudi Arabia
By air
You can arrive into the Saudi Arabia through one of the following airports:
Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madina
GCC nationals and UAE expatriate residents can enter the Saudi Arabia by roadways; though, as a group with travelling through the tour operator.
Your tour operator is obliged to provide you detailed information about the modes of transportation.
The Official Haj Delegation of the UAE is responsible to look after the affairs of UAE pilgrims in the Saudi Arabia. Key services provided by the Official Haj Delegation include preaching, providing free healthcare services, preparing for contingencies and conducting inspections at pilgrim accommodations in holy cities Makkah, Madinah, Mina and Arafat.
Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and Sharjah Islamic Affairs in Sharjah coordinate with the federal Awqaf.
Ministry of Haj and Umra is responsible for pilgrims' affairs. It offers many eServices for pilgrims of Haj and Umrah.
Haj for GCC nationals
GCC nationals do not need a visa to travel to the Saudi Arabia; however, they must obtain the official Haj permit to enter the Saudi Arabia.
This entitles them to the 'express Haj' packages where pilgrims arrive in the holy city of Makkah right before rituals begin and return promptly after they end. The package can be arranged through Haj tour operators.
Free Haj for special cases
There are many organisations in the UAE that organise free Haj trips for UAE nationals. The organisations include:
The Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation
Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation
Abu Dhabi Rehabilitation Centre