Qatar Opens Hajj 1448 AH Registration From September 20

The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, represented by the Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, has announced that registration for those wishing to perform Hajj during the 1448 AH season will open from September 20 to October 20 through the official Hajj website, hajj.gov.qa.

The early registration forms part of the Ministry's preparations for the season and its efforts to improve services provided to pilgrims from Qatar.

Ali Sultan Al Mesaifri, Director of the Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, said the decision to adopt early registration follows positive results achieved in previous seasons. According to the Ministry, the approach has allowed Hajj campaigns to complete contracts and operational arrangements earlier, helping improve the quality of services and overall readiness.

He explained that Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has adopted an early timetable for preparations, including the allocation of country quotas, completion of accommodation, catering and transportation arrangements, and the opening of electronic systems for campaign procedures.

Qatar's quota for the Hajj 1448 AH season has been set at 4,400 pilgrims. Admission requirements are also based on the health fitness criterion adopted by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah since the previous season, with the aim of ensuring pilgrims are physically able to perform the rituals safely.

For Qatari citizens, applicants must be at least 18 years old and may add up to three companions to a single application.

For residents and citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, applicants must be at least 45 years old, must not have previously performed Hajj and may add only one companion. They must also have maintained continuous residence in Qatar for at least 15 years.

Applicants have been advised to review all requirements carefully and ensure that any companions are included in the main application from the outset to avoid issues during the admission process.

The Ministry has also developed the electronic registration system with more flexible online payment mechanisms. Qatari pilgrims will be able to complete contracting procedures with approved Hajj campaigns through the electronic platform. Digital guides and awareness videos will explain registration, campaign selection, contracting and electronic payment procedures.

All licensed and approved Hajj campaigns for the season will be listed on the official Hajj website. The public can also contact the Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs through official channels or the 132 hotline for enquiries, comments and complaints.

As part of the electronic contracting process, pilgrims will be required to make a payment through the system after completing registration. The value of this payment will be announced later. The Ministry clarified that it is not a registration fee, but an advance payment that will be deducted from the final cost of the selected Hajj programme.

The final cost will vary between campaigns depending on the level of services provided, including accommodation, transportation, catering and other support services.

Electronic screening of applications will begin immediately after registration closes. Acceptance and approval notices are expected to be sent to registered applicants by SMS using the phone numbers entered in the system, starting from the end of October.

Dr Hamad Al-Rumaihi, Head of the Medical Unit at the Qatari Hajj Mission, said obtaining a "medically fit" health fitness certificate is the first and primary step for those wishing to register for Hajj this season.

The certificate will be available through health centres across Qatar. Applicants can visit any health centre to undergo the required medical examination, after which the result will be entered electronically into the health system linked to the Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs.

According to the Medical Unit, the health fitness requirement is intended to protect pilgrims and help ensure they can perform the rituals safely while reducing potential health risks during the journey. Details of the health requirements are available through the Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs website.

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