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Travelling for Haj from UAE? Follow these guidelines

Dubai - Details about government services when travelling for Haj for nationals and expatriates.

All Haj and Umrah pilgrims are required to process the travel application through a licensed operator only. One can check the UAE's General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) to verify and find these licensed operators. Also, as the quota of Haj pilgrims is limited, it is advisable to book in advance.
How to apply for visa

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.
Haj visas are issued from mid Shawwal until 25th day of the month of Dhu Al Qadah, and are valid until 15th day of the month of Muharram.
Besides, the Haj visas are valid only for the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Women who are aged below 45 years will have to show proof of Mahram (accompaniment of a male relative) to get the visa.
Flights and hotel

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.
Tour operators and packages
Umrah service - Sharjah Aviation and Travel Agency

Health checkup
Pilgrims should take necessary vaccinations before traveling for at least 15 days, as one of the most important ways to prevent infectious diseases.
Elderly people aged 60 years and above, chronically ill, children and pregnant women, and those with HIV are advised to postpone Haj or Umrah this year for their safety. They also said that children participating in Haj should be up-to-date with their basic vaccinations. If any symptoms of respiratory infection are observed 14 days after returning from Haj or Umrah, visit the nearest health centre.

For list of health centers offering Haj vaccinations, please visit www.haad.ae/vaccine Or call 800 555.
Signing a contract
Pilgrims and tour operators will have to sign a contract from the Department of Haj and Umrah at Awqaf. In case of any dispute, a complaint can be filed at the Department of Haj and Umrah or with Complaints Committee of the official Haj delegation.

How to arrive in Saudi Arabia

By air
You can arrive into the Saudi Arabia through one of the following airports:
 King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah

 Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madina
By road

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.
Bodies in the UAE responsible for Haj and Umrah affairs
Department of Haj and Umrah at the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) of the UAE is responsible for establishing and reinforcing regulations with regard to contractors operating Haj and Umrah tours and pilgrims' affairs.

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.
Bodies in the KSA responsible for Haj and Umrah affairs

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