Doha: The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, represented by its Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, has announced the opening of registration for the 1448 AH Hajj season for individuals wishing to perform the pilgrimage. Registration will be available from September 20 to October 20 through the official Hajj website, hajj.gov.qa. This initiative is part of the Ministry's early preparations to enhance the services provided to Qatar's pilgrims.
According to Qatar News Agency, Director of the Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, Ali bin Sultan Al Musaifri, highlighted that the early registration follows successful outcomes from previous seasons, allowing operators to complete contracts and arrangements sooner. This has positively impacted the quality of services offered to pilgrims, ensuring a focused and organized Hajj season. Al Musaifri mentioned that Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also adopted an early timetable for preparations, which includes country quota allocations and contract completions, necessitating an early start to the registration process.
Al Musaifri revealed that Qatar's quota for the 1448 AH Hajj season is set at 4,400 pilgrims, with eligibility requirements based on the health-capacity standard adopted by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. This standard ensures pilgrims are physically capable of performing the rites safely. Qatari citizens must be at least 18 years old to register, while residents and Gulf Cooperation Council citizens must be at least 45 years old and have not previously performed Hajj, among other requirements.
Prospective applicants are advised to review eligibility requirements and ensure accompanying persons are included in the main application. The online registration system now features flexible electronic payment mechanisms for contracting with approved Hajj campaigns. Awqaf has also provided digital guidance materials to streamline the registration process.
Al Musaifri emphasized that all licensed Hajj operators for the season will be available on the Hajj website. He urged the public to contact the Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs through official channels for inquiries and feedback. The electronic contracting process will involve making payments through the system, which will be deducted from the final Hajj package cost.
Electronic screening of applications will begin immediately after registration closes, with notifications sent by late October. This process allows operators to finalize arrangements based on high standards of quality. Dr. Hamad Al Rumaihi, Head of the Medical Unit at Qatar's Hajj Mission, stated that obtaining a medical fitness certificate is essential for registration, with details available on the department's website. The fitness requirement ensures pilgrims' health and safety during the Hajj rites.