UAE tightens Hajj and Umrah rules – Everything you need to know

The United Arab Emirates recently announced stricter rules regarding Hajj and Umrah.

See also: Dubai: Mukesh Ambani gifts son with $77.3 million villa as wedding gift – All you need to know

The General Affairs Bureau of Islamic Affairs (GAIAE) announced strict new rules for Hajj and Umrah in the UAE on Monday, May 27, 2024, according to Khaleej Times.

Aiming to streamline procedures and ensure the safety of pilgrims in the UAE, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced that operators in the region will not be able to accept applications or requests for Hajj or Umrah without prior approval.

The new rules include provisions regarding the organization of pilgrimage campaigns, licensing procedures and penalties for violations by individuals, campaign organizers or offices.

The authorities also announced heavy fines of up to Dh50,000 against anyone who misuses the services and facilities designated by the UAE Hajj Office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or who undertakes the pilgrimage without proper authorization from the authority GAIAE.

These new amendments are designed to help regulate the conduct of activities and rituals, while ensuring that licenses for both Hajj and Umrah campaigns comply with existing laws and are issued under the appropriate jurisdiction of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs.

The new regulations also mandate obtaining a license before engaging in any activities related to organizing Hajj or Umrah trips to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including arranging, promoting, soliciting participants for, and collecting donations for Hajj or Umrah, all of which are prohibited without a license.

Meanwhile, the UAE Hajj Office is the official representative body of the Emirates during the Hajj season.

See also: IPL 2024 Final: Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana, Aryan and AbRam congratulate KKR on their victory, video goes viral

Cover image source: twitter