Pilgrim Hajj 2026: 72,000 UAE Pilgrims Apply For Just 6,228 Spots

DUBAI General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat has announced a huge number of applicants to register for Pilgrim Hajj 2026. Approximately 72,000 applications were received to fill approximately 6,228 pilgrim slots in the UAE, which provides competition on an unprecedented level of slightly less than 12 applicants per place.  

Registration was also closed on October 9, 2025, and the demand was the highest on the Authority app and the official website. The Saudi government allocated the quota of 6,228 pilgrims to visit the UAE during the Pilgrim Hajj 2026 season of 1447AH/2026AD, and many would have been disappointed.  

Related Stories

UAE Boosts Global Influence with Six New Foreign Envoys

First-Timers Get Priority as Selection Process Unfolds

The Authority is reviewing and making preliminary approvals on applications. Each candidate will be required to meet the requirements of Cabinet Resolution No. 32 of 2018 that regulates Pilgrim Hajj 2026 and Umrah System. Only Emirati citizens who have never visited Hajj can be registered, and first-time pilgrims will be prioritized in accordance with the government policy.  

The people will be contacted by phone and with strict deadlines to pass the paperwork and obtain their permits. The Authority will ensure that all arrangements are completed early enough before the pilgrimage season and this will give enough time to the pilgrims and service providers to make preparations.  

Preparing for the Journey: Health and Safety Take Center Stage

Ministry of Health and Prevention along with health authorities in the country introduced a campaign of safe and healthy Pilgrim Hajj 2026. It highlights the importance of compulsory immunizations namely meningitis, seasonal flu, and pneumococcal and precautions taken to ensure pilgrims are not subjected to heat stress and injuries during the rigorous rituals.  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured its willingness to follow up and support the UAE pilgrims and especially the elderly people, during their visit. The travel advisory pages are also updated, and Pilgrim Hajj 2026 are encouraged to enroll themselves in the Twajudi service and keep in mind the emergency hotline 0097180024. Incidents of lost or damaged passports can be replaced in less than thirty minutes.  

The Office of the Affairs of UAE Pilgrims Hajj 2026 confirms that it is committed to delivering the best services at the sacred locations, which is based on the vision of the UAE Government about offering excellence and quality services to all pilgrims.

Read More: How Indians Can Add a Local UAE Address to Their Passports

Aftab Alam Writer

Aftab Alam is a professional writer with over three years of experience working with leading newspapers, where he has covered a wide range of topics including technology, current affairs, and digital trends. His journalism background has helped him develop a strong foundation in research, accuracy, and fact-based reporting. Alongside his work in print media, Aftab specializes in creating high-quality digital content focused on website performance, SEO, and online security. He combines his editorial expertise with practical technical knowledge to deliver content that is both informative and reliable. Aftab is committed to producing trustworthy, well-researched content that helps readers make informed decisions in the fast-evolving digital landscape.

See Full Bio