Muscat: 14,000 pilgrims from Oman are all set to travel to Mecca and Madina. This includes 13,500 Omanis, 250 Arab residents, and 250 non-Arab residents, In a press conference, Sultan bin Said al Hinai, Head of the Oman Haj Mission, said, "The Oman Haj Mission has completed the procedures for the pilgrims of the Sultanate of Oman to travel to the holy sites. The majority of the pilgrims, approximately 99 per cent, are ready to travel. The mission is scheduled to depart on Sunday, 25th of Dhul Qa'ada 1445 AH, heading to Jeddah and then to Mecca."
Regarding the readiness of the Mina and Arafat camps, he added, "The 2 camps will be handed over to us at the right time with the company responsible for providing services to the guests of the Sultanate of Oman." About the additions and improvements, he said, "In Arafat camp, the issue of partition in the camp has been resolved by gathering all the pilgrims in one area or in one camp for all the pilgrims of the Sultanate of Oman. Additionally, the ground has been paved, gypsum boards installed, and air conditioning improved in the camp. As for Mina camp, water supply has been enhanced by adding 6 additional tanks with a capacity of 40,000 gallons, along with 50 new toilets and 70 shower rooms." The average cost of Haj by air is RO 2,134 in 2024, up from RO 2,054 in 2023, an increase of 3.9 per cent. The average cost by land is RO 1,313, down from RO 1,367, a decrease of 4.1 per cent.
A total of 700 opportunities were allocated for Haj and Umrah companies, representing 5 per cent of the number of pilgrims for each company, making a total of 15,000 citizens and residents travelling to the holy land. The overall quota was distributed among the governorates based on the population aged 18 and above. Muscat Governorate topped the quota with 20.77 per cent, followed by Al Batinah North with 19.86 per cent, while Al Wusta had the lowest percentage at 0.9 per cent.
The entitlement is granted based on mathematical equations built on Sharia principles and jurisprudential considerations, taking into account religious, social, and other aspects. Each governorate's requests are arranged separately based on its share of the overall Omani quota, considering factors such as age, family entitlement, guardians, companions, repeated requests for two or more seasons, type of Haj, the priority of the will, Haj on behalf of a deceased person, and seniority of residence for residents.
The indicators show that 12,487 individuals, representing 89.2 per cent of obligatory pilgrims, include 145 performing Haj on behalf of a deceased person and 281 on behalf of someone incapacitated. There are 240 pilgrims performing Haj to fulfil a will for a deceased person, representing 1.7 per cent of Omani pilgrims. There are 1,273 voluntary pilgrims, representing 9 per cent of this year's pilgrims, including 945 guardians of women and 145 companions. Women comprised 49.9 per cent of the pilgrims, while men constituted 50.1 per cent. The oldest pilgrim is 94 years old, and the youngest are two 18-year-olds.
Regarding the routes to the holy lands, 8,466 pilgrims are travelling by air, an increase of 1.9 per cent compared to the 1444 AH season. Meanwhile, 5,534 pilgrims are travelling by land, with a total of 31 Haj and Umrah companies contracted.
The Mission said Haj without a permit is prohibited. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has warned that unauthorised Haj attracts a 10-year ban from entering the Kingdom, a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals, imprisonment, and a ban on Haj. The Mission will coordinate with Saudi authorities to address reports of fake campaigns and unauthorised pilgrims.
The Mission urged pilgrims to use the opportunity to learn about Haj rituals, prepare spiritually by sincerely repenting to Allah, refining their character and being accountable to themselves. They should also prepare physically by exercising, taking necessary vaccinations and maintaining good nutrition.
Al Hinai said Haj is an act of worship. Therefore, it cannot be compared to leisure trips. Pilgrims should psychologically prepare to adapt to the available facilities and services, ensuring they perform their rituals with satisfaction and peace of mind.
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