Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in cooperation with the Pilgrim Experience Program, held its annual Hajj concluding ceremony at the ministry headquarters in Makkah on Sunday. The event honored the recipients of the Labaytum Award for Excellence in Services to Pilgrims and celebrated the efforts of several pilgrim affairs offices and nonprofit organizations for their outstanding services during the current Hajj season.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah announced the official handover of the preliminary arrangements document to pilgrim affairs offices in preparation for the 1447 AH Hajj season. This early step aims to enhance readiness and improve pilgrims' experience by enabling early contracts, site allocation, and service integration.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister stressed that this year’s Hajj season was successful by the grace of Allah, followed by the support and guidance of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the continuous direct supervision of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. He noted that the integration of efforts among government agencies, private sector entities, and pilgrim affairs offices played a vital role in delivering a successful and seamless Hajj season.

Al-Rabiah noted that the ministry has begun preparations for the next Hajj early by issuing the preliminary arrangements document, which allows pilgrim affairs offices to secure essential services in advance, ensuring operational stability and service quality. He stressed the importance of adhering to health eligibility regulations when registering pilgrims, per the requirements set by the Ministry of Health.

The minister also announced that the Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition is scheduled for November and invited all local and international partners to take advantage of this global platform to showcase innovations and exchange expertise in order to continuously enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims.