When registration for the 2026 Hajj season closed on 9 October, the General Directorate of Islamic Affairs, Waqf and Zakat calculated the results. The figure was impressive — about 72,000 UAE residents applied via the mobile app and the department’s official website. The problem is that Saudi Arabia has allocated the emirate a quota of only 6,228 pilgrims. The competition is one to twelve.
Now the complex selection process begins. The department checks each application for compliance with the requirements set out in Cabinet Decree No. 32 of 2018 on the Hajj and Umrah system. Priority is given to Emirati citizens who have not previously made the pilgrimage. Those who receive preliminary approval will be contacted at the telephone numbers provided during registration. Candidates will then have a limited time to complete the formalities and obtain permission.
Medical requirements have become stricter and more detailed
The UAE authorities have announced that compliance with the medical requirements established by both countries is required. The safety of pilgrims has been declared a top priority. The Islamic Affairs Department will review medical examination results and work with health authorities to ensure each candidate meets the approved standards. People with the following conditions will not be allowed to perform the Hajj:
- Physical limitations that prevent the performance of rituals, including major organ failure
- Neurological or mental illnesses that impair cognitive function
- Advanced age with dementia
- Pregnancy in the last trimester
- Active infectious diseases — tuberculosis, haemorrhagic fevers
- Cancer with chemotherapy or similar treatment
The list of requirements seems strict, but it is logical. The Hajj involves long walks under the scorching sun, being in crowds, and physical exertion. The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign called “Safe and Healthy Hajj,” which explains the risks in detail. Pilgrims must be vaccinated against meningitis and seasonal flu in advance. Additional vaccines, including COVID-19, are recommended depending on individual health conditions.
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Three ministries are preparing to welcome pilgrims in the highest class
The UAE’s Pilgrims Affairs Department has announced its readiness to provide the best services at the holy sites. The organisation promises to meet all citizens’ needs with responsibility and attention. The approach is reminiscent of professional property management, where every detail matters to customers’ comfort.
The Foreign Ministry has completed preparations to monitor and assist pilgrims, especially older people. Support will begin with pre-departure preparations and continue until a safe return home. The ministry has updated the pages on its website and mobile app with recommendations for travellers, adding up-to-date information on requirements.
Pilgrims are advised to register with the Twajudi service via the website, app or WhatsApp. The emergency number for citizens is 0097180024. The Ministry advises taking copies of your documents so that, if your passport is lost or damaged, you can obtain a replacement document within 30 minutes.
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The Ministry of Health has launched a nationwide campaign, “Safe and Healthy Hajj,” in conjunction with medical authorities across the Emirates. The initiative includes:
- A multilingual medical reference guide on the ministry’s website
- Answers to questions about pilgrims’ health
- Coordination with medical teams for the distribution of medicines
- Psychological and counselling support
The campaign reminds people about injury prevention, minimising heat stress and maintaining a balanced diet. Dubai real estate news updates often mention the authorities’ systematic approach to organising mass events — and the Hajj is no exception. Every detail has been thought out to ensure that the 6,228 lucky ones make their pilgrimage safely.
