Muscat – The Omani Hajj Mission has unveiled a package of initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall experience of pilgrims during the 1447 AH Hajj season.

The announcement was made at a press conference held by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs on Wednesday, chaired by H E Ahmed bin Saleh Al Rashdi, Undersecretary and Head of Omani Hajj Mission. The briefing highlighted key preparations, organisational plans, development initiatives and services for pilgrims from Oman, along with updates on transport and overall season indicators.

H E Al Rashdi stated that the ministry’s approach is centred on enabling pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease, in line with Islamic principles, while ensuring high standards of governance, efficiency and transparency in cooperation with Saudi authorities.

He informed that the ministry’s electronic Hajj system, which manages registration and service allocation entirely online, received the Labaytum Award for Excellence in Serving the Guests of Allah – an annual recognition presented by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah – and recorded a 99% satisfaction rate during the last season.

More than 42,000 applications were submitted for the 1447 AH season, with 14,000 approved based on eligibility criteria. All selected pilgrims – 13,560 Omanis and 440 residents – have completed travel procedures.

The mission also outlined new transport arrangements, key initiatives such as the Hajj Lab and Aviation Initiative, improvements in airfares and logistics, and upgrades to facilities in Mina and Arafat. Medical support has been strengthened and the mission’s headquarters relocated closer to the holy sites to improve operational efficiency.

The Omani Hajj Mission expressed appreciation to all partners for their continued efforts to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.