Digital Hajj Registration Opens Until October 9th: Secure Your Spot for the Spiritual Journey.

The UAE's General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments has opened registration for citizens wanting to perform Hajj in 2026. The registration window runs until October 9, but there's a catch – it's only for UAE citizens who have never done Hajj before. Priority goes to elderly citizens, people with disabilities, and those with chronic illnesses.

Here's what makes this different: everything happens digitally. No paper forms, no office visits. Citizens must register through the authority's mobile app or official website. The move fits the UAE's push to make government services completely digital.

The registration process involves nine main steps, starting with downloading the updated AwqafUAE app from app stores. Users log in through UAE Pass, the country's digital identity system. They then select whether they've performed Hajj before – and since this round is for first-timers only, the answer should be no.

After confirming personal details and filling required fields, users with chronic illnesses can select their condition from a special categories list. They need to upload their latest medical report as proof.

The system also handles family linking, which lets people travel together for Hajj. But here's how it works: the companion, guardian, or family member must register first and get a reference number. Then others can link to their application using that number.

The family linking process requires five specific steps. Users choose "add family members" from the application status menu, select the type of companion they're linking with, enter the reference number, and verify through a code sent to their device.

Once registered, applicants can track their application status anytime through the app. The digital-only approach means no exceptions – even family linking must happen through the online system.

This registration method reflects how the UAE handles religious services now. The government wants to streamline the Hajj process and reduce paperwork. For the thousands of Emiratis planning their first pilgrimage, the October 9 deadline means they need to get their documents ready soon.