The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs has announced that registration for the 1448 AH Hajj season will open on September 20 and continue until October 20 through the official website, hajj.gov.qa.
The early launch is part of the ministry’s preparations to improve services for pilgrims from Qatar and allow licensed Hajj operators more time to complete contracts and operational arrangements.
Addressing a press conference in Doha, Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs Director Ali bin Sultan al-Musaifri said early registration had produced positive results during previous seasons, directly improving the quality of services offered to pilgrims.
He said Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had adopted an early timetable covering country quotas, accommodation, catering and transport contracts, as well as electronic procedures for Hajj operators. Beginning registration early would therefore help Qatar make optimal use of the available opportunities.
Qatar’s quota for the coming season is 4,400 pilgrims. Eligibility will remain subject to the health-capacity standard introduced by Saudi authorities last season to ensure pilgrims are physically able to perform the rites safely.
Qatari applicants must be at least 18 and may add up to three accompanying persons to one application. Residents and GCC citizens must be at least 45, must not have previously performed Hajj and may add only one companion. Resident applicants must also have lived continuously in Qatar for at least 15 years.
Al-Musaifri urged applicants to review the conditions carefully and include all companions in the original application to avoid delays or obstacles during screening and approval.
The online system has been upgraded with more flexible and user-friendly payment options, enabling pilgrims to complete contracts with approved Hajj campaigns electronically. Guidance materials and awareness videos explaining registration, campaign selection, contracting and payment procedures have also been made available.
All licensed operators will be listed on the Hajj website. Applicants may contact the department through its official channels or hotline 132 for inquiries, feedback and complaints.
Pilgrims will be required to make an advance payment electronically after completing registration, with the amount to be announced later. Al-Musaifri stressed that this was not a registration fee and would be deducted from the final cost of the selected package, which would vary according to accommodation, transport, catering and other services.
Electronic screening will begin immediately after registration closes, with approvals and acceptance notifications sent by text message from late October.
Qatar Hajj Mission Medical Unit head Dr Hamad al-Rumaihi said obtaining a medical fitness certificate was the first step in registration. Applicants may undergo the required examination at any health centre in Qatar, with results entered electronically into the health system linked to the department.
He said the requirement was designed to protect pilgrims and reduce health risks during the journey. Full details of the health conditions are available on the department’s website.