The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs has said over 12,000 people, including 1,431 expatriates, have registered on its website to perform Haj in 2023. The ministry opened the registration for citizens and residents wishing to perform Haj rituals for the 1444 AH from February 21, which can be done online until March 4 at Hajj.om/en. Most registrations were received from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate (2,253).

Other governorates included Muscat (1,720), Al Dhahirah (656), Al Wusta (61), Dhofar (828), Musandam (103), Al Buraimi (158), Al Batinah North (1,655), Al Batinah South (1,158), Al Sharqiyah North (1,211), Al Sharqiyah South (769) and expatriates (1,431). The Saudi government has said the minimum age for performing this year’s Haj is 12 years, as the number of intending pilgrims returns to the pre-pandemic era.

Saudi Ministry of Haj has also pointed out that priority for registering to undertake this year’s pilgrimage would be given to first-timers. The ministry said there would be no limits on the number of pilgrims worldwide for the upcoming pilgrimage, reversing earlier restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic in the past two years.

Saudi Arabia is set to host 2 million pilgrims for Haj this year, says a government official. Last year, around 900,000 pilgrims were welcomed as the kingdom reduced the number of Muslims allowed to perform the Haj rites to prevent the spread of the virus.

 

 

 

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