Saudi unveils ground plan for 2024 Hajj
The Saudi Arabian Ministry for Hajj and Umrah, on Friday in Makkah revealed a detailed plan to guide the progress of the 2024 Hajj exercise.
The Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq Al Rabiah, disclosed this ground plan at a ceremony attended by the Heads and Representatives of Hajj Missions in the Kingdom.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the meeting was said to mark the end of the 2023 Hajj exercise.
Al Rabiah stressed that the preparations for the 2024 Hajj would begin immediately with the issuance of letters to each country that announced the commencement of preparations.
He stated further that letters of confirmation of number of pilgrims’ slots for the 2024 Hajj would also be issued to participating countries.
While citing the high point of the 2024 Hajj Roadmap, he listed it to include holding of preparatory meetings from Sept. 16 to Nov. 4, and organizing of an International Symposium and Exhibition on Jan. 8, 2024.
“Conclusion of Accommodation and Masha’er Contracts: February 25th, 2024, commencement of Visa Issuance in March, 1st, 2024, closing of Visa Issuance in April 29th, 2024 and arrival of 1st set of 2024 Pilgrims into Saudi Arabia in May 9, 2024.”
Al Rabiah equally divulged that the first Hajj Mission to conclude all preparations would have the opportunity to choose its preferred locations at the Masha’er, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, for 2024 Hajj.
The minister expressed gratitude to all agencies and Hajj missions for their roles in the 2023 exercise and while reassuring the commitment of the Kingdom to serving the Guests of Allah in the best manner possible by obtaining feedback from hajj Missions and improving on its services.
NAN reported that the climax of the event was the announcement of winners for the 2023 Labbaikum Hajj Services award in which Iraq emerged the overall best hajj mission for the 2023 Hajj.
Other countries like Malaysia, Gambia, Bahrain, Singapore, South Africa and Azerbaijan were recognised for excellence in various aspects of the hajj operations.