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RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah held a semiannual meeting with the heads of Hajj offices and other officials from Muslim countries on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The meeting brought together more than a hundred ministers, grand muftis, and heads of Hajj offices from Muslim countries to review preparations for the Hajj 2026 season and to discuss updates to organizational and operational procedures for serving pilgrims.

It was held on the sidelines of the fifth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition, SPA said.

Al-Rabiah thanked the Hajj offices for their efforts and cooperation in ensuring the success of the Hajj 2025 season.

He commended those offices who had already finalized their contracts and urged the remaining offices to complete their contracting procedures by January 4, 2026 to ensure readiness and so that pilgrims received quality services.

Al-Rabiah highlighted a series of key regulatory requirements for the coming period, including:

• Finalizing camp service contracts by January 4 and accommodation contracts in Makkah and Madinah by February 1
• Submitting Hajj visas for issuance before March 20, with no extensions beyond that date, and raising public awareness to prevent unauthorized Hajj
• Publishing awareness campaigns in collaboration with ministries and Hajj offices to protect pilgrims from exploitation or misinformation.
• Requiring a “health capability certificate” signed by the head of office and the medical delegation leader as a prerequisite for visa issuance, with verification through the Masar electronic platform.
• Processing all payments for sacrificial animals exclusively through official Hajj offices and the Saudi Project for the Utilization of Hady and Adahi, while prohibiting dealings with unauthorized entities
• Ensuring that the Nusuk card is mandatory for entry to the Grand Mosque and holy sites
• Uploading administrative, medical, and media personnel data starting November 10 and completing submissions before December 21
• Finalizing airline selections and flight slot reservations before January 4
• Conducting all administrative and financial transactions via the Nusuk Masar platform

The minister said these measures aimed to enhance service efficiency for pilgrims and boost coordination with relevant domestic and international bodies, reflecting the Kingdom’s leading role in serving pilgrims from around the world.