Hajj Preparations Completed for Oman's 14,000 Pilgrims

The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) has confirmed that 13,944 pilgrims from Oman have completed all formalities to perform Haj this year. The remaining 56, from the country’s full quota of 14,000, are currently finalising their procedures, officials announced at a press conference on Tuesday.

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H E Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Undersecretary of MERA and Head of the Oman Haj Mission, explained that this year’s quota includes 13,530 citizens and 470 expatriates. Pilgrims were selected through an electronic registration system based on population density across Oman’s governorates, along with criteria rooted in Islamic jurisprudence and ethics.

Muscat received the largest share of pilgrims with 24% of the total, followed by North Batinah with 19%. Smaller regions like Musandam received less than 1%.

Majority Performing Haj as a Religious Obligation

According to MERA, around 84% of the pilgrims, 11,780 individuals, are performing Haj as a religious obligation. The remaining 16% are voluntary pilgrims, including those performing the ritual on behalf of deceased or medically unfit individuals.

The age breakdown shows that the largest group of pilgrims (39%) are between 30 and 45 years old. Those aged 45 to 60 make up the next biggest group, while 16% are over 60. Just 5% fall between 18 and 30.

Pilgrims Choosing Between Land and Air Travel

When it comes to travel preferences, 63% of pilgrims chose to fly, while 37% opted to go by land. The average cost for travelling by land is RO1,417, while air travel averages at RO2,063.

New Initiatives to Support Pilgrims

This year, Oman’s Haj Mission has introduced several helpful initiatives. More than 150 pilgrims from low-income families are receiving financial support through the Beit al Rabat Endowments Initiative, with over RO150,000 allocated.

For elderly and disabled pilgrims, special vehicles have been made available for use during the Tawaf and Sa’i rituals, benefiting around 450 people. Additionally, electronic bracelets have been distributed to elderly and medically vulnerable pilgrims to ensure safety and tracking throughout the journey.

As Oman’s pilgrims prepare for the spiritual journey of a lifetime, the efforts by MERA and the Haj Mission are ensuring a smooth, organised, and safe experience for everyone involved.