The Authority of Saudi Arabia has declared the 2023 Hajj operations closed even as it announced the commencement of preparations and confirmation of slots for 2024 Hajj exercise.
The Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al Rabiah, disclosed this on Friday (June 30, 2023) at Headquarters of the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry in Makkah during a ceremony to mark the end of 2023 Hajj operations.
Speaking at the well attended event including Heads and Representatives of Hajj Missions in the Kingdom, Dr Al Rabiah also unveiled a roadmap for the 2024 Hajj which, he said, begins immediately with the issuance of letters to each country.
According to him, the preparatory meetings will hold between September 16th and November 14th 2023, while the International Hajj Symposium and Exhibition will take place on January 8th, 2024.
Dr Al Rabiah stated further that the conclusion of accommodation and Masha’er Contracts is slated for February 25th, 2024, and commencement of Visa Issuance is March 1st, 2024.
The Minister added that the closing of Visa Issuance is slated for April 29th, 2024, while the arrival of 1st set of 2024 pilgrims into Saudi Arabia will commence on 9th of May, 2024.
He hinted that the first Hajj Mission to conclude all preparations will have the opportunity to choose its preferred locations at the Masha’er for 2024 Hajj.
Dr Al Rabiah therefore thanked all agencies and Hajj missions for their roles in the 2023 exercise and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to serving the Guests of Allah in the best manner possible by obtaining feedback from Hajj Missions and improving on its services.
Highlights of the event included announcement of winners for the 2023 Labbaikum Hajj Services award in which Iraq emerged the overall best Hajj Mission for the 2023 Hajj with countries like Malaysia, The Gambia, Bahrain, Singapore, South Africa and Azerbaijan recognized for excellence in various aspects of the Hajj exercise.
