Register for the 2026 Hajj Season Starting September 24, Says Islamic Affairs Ministry

UAE Opens Hajj Registration for 2026 Season, Prioritizing First-Time Pilgrims

The UAE's Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department has announced that registration for the 2026 Hajj season will open from September 24 to October 9, 2025, exclusively targeting Emirati citizens who have never performed the pilgrimage before. This early announcement reflects the country's systematic approach to managing one of Islam's most significant religious obligations while ensuring equitable access for its citizens.

Digital-First Registration Process

Registration will be conducted entirely through the department's official website and mobile application, continuing the UAE's trend toward digitizing government services. This approach aligns with the country's broader digital transformation strategy and helps streamline what has traditionally been a complex administrative process.

The 16-day registration window provides citizens ample time to complete their applications while allowing authorities to process requests efficiently and allocate spots fairly among eligible applicants.

First-Time Pilgrims Take Priority

The UAE's decision to restrict registration to citizens who have never performed Hajj follows Islamic principles that prioritize first-time pilgrims when demand exceeds available quotas. This policy ensures that more citizens have the opportunity to fulfill this fundamental religious obligation, which Muslims are required to perform at least once in their lifetime if physically and financially able.

Managing Limited Quotas

Saudi Arabia allocates specific Hajj quotas to each country based on their Muslim population size. For the UAE, with its significant expatriate Muslim community, managing these quotas fairly among citizens requires careful planning and clear eligibility criteria.

Regional Context and Hajj Management

The UAE's early announcement strategy mirrors approaches taken by other Gulf countries, where governments play an active role in organizing and subsidizing Hajj journeys for their citizens. This contrasts with countries like Indonesia or Pakistan, where private tour operators handle much of the logistics alongside government oversight.

The emphasis on early preparation also reflects lessons learned from previous years when last-minute arrangements led to higher costs and logistical challenges. By opening registration nearly a year in advance, the UAE can negotiate better rates with service providers and ensure proper accommodation and transportation arrangements.

Economic and Social Implications

For many Emirati families, performing Hajj represents both a spiritual milestone and a significant financial commitment. Government-organized Hajj programs typically offer more affordable options compared to private packages, making the pilgrimage accessible to a broader segment of society.

The structured approach also benefits the broader Hajj economy, as early bookings help hotels, transportation companies, and service providers in Saudi Arabia plan their capacity and pricing strategies for the 2026 season.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The 2026 Hajj season, corresponding to 1447 in the Islamic calendar, will likely see continued improvements in crowd management and digital services, building on Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to modernize the pilgrimage experience. For UAE citizens, this early registration opportunity represents the government's commitment to ensuring smooth, well-organized religious journeys while maintaining the spiritual significance of this sacred obligation.