In a recent press meeting, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, highlighted that they have planned to expand the Hajj pilgrimage this year to accommodate over a million pilgrims as compared to a few thousand last year. The COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed, but caution against the virus is still a priority. That is why only vaccinated Muslims of a maximum of 65 years of age will be allowed to attend the pilgrimage. Additionally, these pilgrims will have to produce a negative COVID PCR test. All these decisions have been made keeping the COVID situation in mind.

In 2021, Hajj was only open to domestic pilgrims as international flights were restricted, and the threats of the pandemic were still looming large. Nevertheless, the country still managed to have over 60000 pilgrims last season while being a testimony to more than 2 million pilgrims in the pre-pandemic years.

Saudi Arabia is keen on conducting the Hajj and ensuring everything runs smoothly and easily. However, Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and many people missed out on this golden opportunity last year due to the pandemic. The country is determined to alleviate its pilgrimage services so it can accommodate as many pilgrims in Hajj 2022 as possible without compromising their safety.

Hajj 2022 preparations

The country aims at expanding its pilgrimage capacity by making the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah more accessible and tourist-friendly. The country keeps all pilgrims’ safety and safe return on the list of high priorities. New Hajj technology will also be introduced this year to ease mobility from Makkah to Madinah and back to home destinations. Smart IDs will be given to pilgrims, which will allow them faster and easier access to transport around the two cities. Earlier private agencies helped in receiving and transporting foreign visitors to Makkah and Madinah. With the launch of the online Umrah Visa, those planning to perform Umrah can easily apply for their visas online and book accommodation, transport, and other services. The visas will be issued in less than 24 hours and will be valid for one to three months.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also added that a foreign visitor traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah would be permitted to move freely between different cities in the Kingdom without any restrictions. And that the Ministry will continue to give all that is required to enrich the experience of the pilgrimage and increase its capacity. The e-service to facilitate the Umrah Visa is extremely easy and simple, and the services of trustworthy agencies and companies are also available on the website. Now the Ministry is working on another platform called ‘Nusk’ to enhance the visitors’ digital experience. It is one of the forthcoming initiatives the country is working on to enrich the holy experience and increase the level of service.

While the country gears up to host the world’s biggest pilgrimage, foreign pilgrims are also ready to prepare for the new guidelines that are soon to be announced in detail.

Suggested Read: Hajj – The Primary Muslim Pilgrimage To Mecca: Rules, Rituals And More

The post Saudi Arabia To Witness A Million Pilgrims For Hajj This Year appeared first on Zamzam Blogs.

The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia’s holy city, Makkah. Muslims execute it on the 12th month of the Islamic Hijri calendar year, between the eighth and thirteenth days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. While conducting Hajj is difficult (both spiritually and physically), it is essential to plan ahead of time. More than a million pilgrims are expected to attend Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2022. Pilgrims should be aware that the Hajj Committee across the globe will provide Haj pilgrims with standardized luggage. Further, if pilgrims have any luggage-related questions, they can contact their Provincial Haj Committee offices.

Luggage guidelines for Hajj 2022

• The Haj Committee of different nations will provide standardized luggage to pilgrims and deliver such bags to the address listed on the cover head of the Haj online application.
• As a result, pilgrims are requested to verify their luggage delivery location via the Haj Portal by May 14th, 2022.
• The pilgrim can update their status by logging into the Haj Organization app or website.
• Pilgrims should call their local State Haj Committee headquarters if they have any questions. Pilgrims are asked to label their luggage with their cover number, identity, location, flight number, and embarking port.
• A total of 40 kilos (in two pieces) of checked luggage will be allowed per pilgrim.
• It would be easy if the smaller bag had wheels so pilgrims could use it as a cart on their pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah.

List of crucial items to have in baggage for Hajj 2022

• Keep the passport in the baggage at all times. Before departing, one must provide it to the airport administration.
• The pieces of fabric worn by visitors during haj are referred to as Ihram. It is a symbol of Muslim togetherness.
• Visitors may carry a pocket-sized Quran and a dua book in the baggage. They may recite the Quran or dua while on the plane or anywhere.
• Always bring an umbrella during Hajj to protect oneself from the searing sun.
• Don’t forget to bring a prayer mat. Make sure it’s not too heavy.
• Female pilgrims are required to wear at least two hijabs. They should also have a clothespin, rubber band, and hair clips.
• Don’t forget to bring a smartphone charger. Double-check the luggage to see if everything is kept.
• A pair of goggles is usually not essential, but it is always a good idea to have on hand. It protects the eyes from the sun’s rays.

Inside the flight, one should have the following items

• Waist pouch: The waist pouch is where one may keep their passport, ticket, and money.
• Cotton: Always have cotton on hand. Due to a pressure imbalance on the plane, visitors may get an earache.
• Lock: To avoid theft, keep the bags locked at all times. Make sure pilgrims have a pain reliever, dysentery control pills, additional surgical masks, and hand sanitizer.
• Pen and diary: To note down essential details about the journey.

Before and after Hajj, pilgrims should organize their schedules. In addition, they should ensure that they abide by the guidelines of travel and baggage set by the Hajj committees of other nations and have kept all essential items before setting off for their spiritual journey.

Suggested Read: Hajj – The Primary Muslim Pilgrimage To Mecca: Rules, Rituals And More

The post The Updated Luggage Guidelines For Hajj 2022 appeared first on Zamzam Blogs.