Muscat – The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) will host the inaugural Hajj and Umrah Exhibition from April 13 to 15.

The event will officially open on Sunday, at 9am, under the patronage of Sheikh al Fadhl bin Mohammed al Harthy, Secretary General of the Council of Ministers.

An official from MERA stated, “The exhibition will be held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre and is expected to attract a diverse range of participants from various organisations involved in the hajj and umrah sectors, both from within Oman and internationally.”

The event aims to offer valuable insights into the services and opportunities available for those planning to undertake these sacred journeys, he added.

The official added that the initiative highlights the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the hajj and umrah experience for Omani pilgrims by providing them with comprehensive information and resources.

In January, the sultanate signed an agreement regarding arrangements for the 1446 AH hajj season to enhance cooperation and facilitate the pilgrimage for Omani citizens. The agreement aimed to ensure a smooth and well-organised hajj experience for Omani pilgrims, focusing on logistics, service standards, and other key preparations.

The agreement outlines several important aspects, including a quota of 14,000 Omani pilgrims expected to perform hajj in 1446 AH. Pilgrims will arrive and depart via King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman International Airport in Medina. Those travelling by land will use the Rub al Khali border.

All pilgrims must comply with the guidelines and travel regulations detailed in the Nusuk platform to meet necessary travel requirements and deadlines. Saudi authorities also remain committed to providing service packages that adhere to agreed standards and costs.