Wednesday 08 / July / 2026
Muscat: Oman Hajj Mission for the 1447 AH pilgrimage season today held a press conference to review the most prominent indicators and achievements of the past season, as well as the developmental initiatives implemented to serve the pilgrims from the Sultanate of Oman.
Ahmed Salim Al Rashdi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and Head of Oman Hajj Mission for 1447 AH, stated that the season's success stemmed from close collaboration with various government and private entities and the significant efforts they exerted. He noted that the approved quota for the Sultanate of Oman stood at 14,000 pilgrims, with a fulfillment rate of 100 percent.
He added that first-time pilgrims constituted 90 percent of the total, while volunteer pilgrims and those performing Hajj on behalf of others accounted for 10 percent. The quota distribution by gender was 52 percent male and 48 percent female, with the 45–60 age group representing the highest proportion at 40 percent, followed by the 30–44 age group at 38 percent.
He indicated that 10,966 pilgrims from the Sultanate of Oman performed the Hajj rituals via air travel, representing 78 percent, while the number of pilgrims traveling by land amounted to 3,034, or 22 percent. The average cost of Hajj via air was OMR2,013, while the average cost via land was OMR1,647.
He further explained that the Ministry organized the second Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition, with the participation of more than 60 government, private, local and international entities.
This was accompanied by the delivery of 19 working papers and training workshops, the signing of 4 memoranda of understanding, and the launch of the "Hajj Lab" initiative, which contributed to the study of over 133 developmental ideas and the convening of more than 32 meetings with relevant stakeholders, all aimed at enhancing the Omani pilgrim's experience.
He reported that the aviation initiative contributed to strengthening coordination between Hajj companies and airlines, resulting in a reduction in airfare prices by approximately RO 40 per pilgrim, with a total saving exceeding RO 490,000. Additionally, the number of pilgrims traveling by land was reduced from 5,122 in the 1446 AH season to 3,034 in the 1447 AH season—a decrease of over 2,000 pilgrims—thereby enhancing pilgrim safety and the quality of services provided.
During the press conference, He also reviewed the social and service initiatives implemented by the mission, including the "Awqaf Beit Al Rabat" initiative, which provided support exceeding RO 200,000 to eligible groups, and the initiative to enhance medical capacity by requiring Hajj companies to secure a physician permit, thereby strengthening health services.
The undersecretary noted that the mission implemented a series of upgrades at the Mina and Arafat camps, including the installation of air-conditioning in the Mina camp with a heat-insulating roof covering an area exceeding 22,800 square meters, the addition of 75 restrooms and 250 new washbasins, the installation of 1,600 automatic fire extinguishers and 14,400 new hydraulic mattresses, along with a comprehensive upgrade of service facilities.
He indicated that the results of opinion surveys revealed high satisfaction levels among pilgrims, with satisfaction rates reaching 99.9 percent for electronic registration services, 99.4 percent for entry and exit services at land and air ports, 96.2 percent for services provided at the Mina camp, and 97.9 percent for services at the Arafat camp.
Religious guidance services recorded a satisfaction rate of 98.6 percent, while health services achieved 99 percent. Overall satisfaction with the season reached 98 percent, compared to 96.6 percent in the previous season. A total of 4,329 pilgrims participated in the service evaluation process, while 7,175 pilgrims assessed the performance of Hajj companies.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and Head of Oman Hajj Mission for 1447 AH concluded by affirming that the Omani Hajj Mission had officially received the preliminary arrangements document for the 1448 AH Hajj season and had commenced work on the upcoming season before the conclusion of the past season. He noted that the Ministry will continue its efforts to develop the Hajj system and enhance the services provided to pilgrims, thereby enriching the Omani pilgrim's experience and aligning with the objectives of quality and excellence in pilgrim services.
