In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, chaired a significant meeting that brought together ministers, heads of Hajj missions, and senior scholars from across the Islamic world. The session was held alongside the fifth edition of the Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition 2025, serving as one of the key gatherings to shape preparations for the upcoming Hajj season of 1447 AH. Over one hundred delegates representing Islamic countries attended the meeting, reflecting the spirit of global collaboration and the Kingdom’s pivotal leadership in facilitating the sacred pilgrimage.
Dr. Al-Rabiah opened his address by expressing appreciation for the ongoing cooperation between Saudi authorities and Hajj offices worldwide. He commended those who had already completed their contractual procedures for the next season, noting that such proactive planning contributes to efficient coordination and improved services for pilgrims.
The minister reminded remaining Hajj missions to finalize all contracts by Rajab 15, 1447 AH (January 4, 2026), to ensure that every logistical and operational aspect is ready well ahead of time. He reiterated that early preparedness not only guarantees smooth management but also enhances the comfort and safety of pilgrims throughout their journey.
The minister elaborated on a comprehensive framework designed to modernize and streamline the Hajj process. Among the directives issued were specific timelines for completing accommodation and camp service contracts — with Makkah and Madinah arrangements to be finalized by Shaban 13, corresponding to February 1, 2026. In addition, all Hajj visa applications must be submitted by Shawwal 1 (April 20, 2026), with no extensions allowed beyond that date. This step aims to prevent delays and unauthorized entries, ensuring that the pilgrimage remains well-organized and secure.
Dr. Al-Rabiah emphasized the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate potential pilgrims about official procedures and to guard them against exploitation or misinformation. He called on ministries, Hajj offices, and media outlets to collaborate in disseminating accurate information and ensuring that every pilgrim understands the necessary health, safety, and legal requirements.
He also introduced the requirement of a “health capability certificate,” which must be signed jointly by the head of each country’s Hajj office and the medical delegation leader. This certificate will be a prerequisite for visa issuance and will be verified electronically through the Masar digital platform.
One of the key components of the upcoming season’s strategy is the exclusive use of official platforms for all payments related to sacrificial animals, known as *Hady and Adahi. The minister made it clear that these payments must be processed only through authorized Hajj offices or the **Saudi Project for the Utilization of Hady and Adahi, thereby eliminating the risks associated with unauthorized dealers and ensuring transparency in financial transactions.
He further announced that the *Nusuk smart card will be mandatory for entry into the Grand Mosque and other holy sites, making it easier to track, monitor, and manage pilgrims’ movement digitally.
Dr. Al-Rabiah also directed that all administrative, medical, and media personnel data be uploaded to the Masar platform beginning from Jumada Al-Awwal 19 (November 10, 2025), with final submissions completed before Rajab 1 (December 21, 2025). Additionally, each country’s Hajj office is required to confirm flight schedules and airline arrangements before Rajab 15 to prevent congestion and overlapping travel timelines. The Kingdom’s integrated electronic systems, such as Nusuk and Masar, have been designed to simplify administrative tasks, reduce paperwork, and ensure that all financial and logistical operations are transparent and traceable.
The meeting also focused on enhancing coordination between the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and relevant domestic and international authorities. These collaborations, Al-Rabiah noted, are vital for improving the overall pilgrimage experience, particularly in areas such as crowd management, accommodation services, health safety, and digital facilitation. He reiterated that the Kingdom continues to invest heavily in artificial intelligence, smart systems, and infrastructure upgrades to provide pilgrims with efficient, safe, and spiritually fulfilling experiences.
The minister underlined that the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, attaches the utmost importance to the service of pilgrims. Their vision, he said, is to transform the Hajj and Umrah experience through innovation, quality, and sustainability. Over the past few years, several new digital initiatives have been launched under Saudi Vision 2030 to improve accessibility and reduce procedural hurdles for pilgrims arriving from around the world.
As the meeting concluded, Dr. Al-Rabiah reiterated the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to serving the guests of Allah with excellence, compassion, and technological innovation. He encouraged all Hajj offices to maintain continuous communication with the Ministry through digital channels and to share feedback that could help further enhance services. He stressed that every regulation, deadline, and digital initiative introduced this year aims to achieve one core objective — ensuring that every pilgrim can perform their sacred journey with peace, safety, and dignity.
This extensive meeting in Jeddah reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global Hajj management and highlighted its ongoing efforts to improve coordination, accountability, and digital transformation across all stages of the pilgrimage. Through early preparation, modernized systems, and international cooperation, the Kingdom continues to set a global benchmark for organizing one of the world’s most complex and spiritually significant gatherings.