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 The State of Qatar participated yesterday in the special meeting for heads of Haj affairs offices, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as part of the 6th edition of the Haj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition.  The Qatari delegation was headed by HE the Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs and Head of the Qatari Haj Mission Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem, with the attendance of Minister of Haj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabiah.  The meeting comes within the framework of early co-ordination and preparations for the 1448 AH Haj season, discussing arrangements for the upcoming season, and strengthening co-ordination and integration among entities concerned with serving the guests of Allah. This contributes to finalising procedures and contracts related to Qatar’s pilgrims, facilitating their journey, and elevating the level of services provided to them.  HE the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs praised the extensive efforts exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving the guests of Allah, and the continuous development witnessed in Haj system’s services, capabilities, and technologies, which facilitate the performance of rituals and enhance the quality of the pilgrim’s experience.  He also expressed Qatar’s appreciation for the Kingdom’s efforts in caring for the pilgrims of the Sacred House of Allah, affirming ongoing co-operation and co-ordination with Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah and relevant authorities to complete arrangements for Qatar’s pilgrims early, ensuring the highest standards of care and service and facilitating their rituals in an atmosphere of security and tranquillity.  Preparations for Haj season encompass various services provided to pilgrims, including transportation, accommodation, catering, healthcare, safety, and crowd management, requiring coordinated efforts and heightened readiness across all stages of the pilgrim’s journey from departure to return.  The meeting took place as part of the 6th edition of Haj Conference and Exhibition, hosted in Jeddah from November 8 to 11 under the slogan “From Makkah to the World.”This edition features participation from over 520 entities across governmental, private, and non-profit sectors, alongside officials, specialists, and Haj affairs delegations from various countries. The accompanying exhibition spans an area exceeding 67,000 square metres, with participation from entities and solution providers from more than 150 countries.  Through its sessions, events, and accompanying exhibition, the conference explores ways to develop Haj services system, reviewing initiatives and solutions in infrastructure, operational services, empowerment, integration, and sustainable development, while strengthening partnerships and exchanging expertise among relevant bodies.

The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs represented by the Department of Haj and Umrah Affairs, announced Thursday that more than 12,000 citizens and residents have submitted applications to perform the Haj pilgrimage for the 1448 AH season following the close of registration on the official electronic portal on October 20.**media[507677]**In a statement, the ministry explained that the screening and approval of applications will commence next Tuesday (Oct 27) in accordance with the regulatory framework governing the Haj season. Upon completing the screening process, electronic approvals will be issued to qualified candidates, who will be notified directly via SMS text messages.The ministry said that Qatar's designated allocation for 1448 AH Haj season stands at 4,400 pilgrims, emphasising that the selection protocol operates under precise standards to guarantee equity and transparency in quota distribution.It further indicated that finalising the selection process at an early date enables accredited Qatari Haj service operators to complete logistics and administrative preparations well in advance, ensuring the delivery of high-calibre services to pilgrims travelling from Qatar.**media[507680]**The ministry highlighted that the strong turnout on the official portal (hajj.gov.qa) reflects public confidence in its digital ecosystem.It noted that procedural enhancements have successfully streamlined registration, agency selection, and contract finalisation through a unified electronic platform, an achievement aligned with the Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs Strategy (2025-2030) and Qatar National Vision 2030 targets for digital transformation and institutional excellence. 

All routine, seasonal and travel vaccines, including those required for Hajj and Umrah, remain available free of charge at Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) health centres nationwide, the corporation reaffirmed as it marked World Immunisation Week, observed in the last week of April.Vaccination services are delivered through 31 PHCC health centres equipped to the latest medical standards and staffed by qualified professionals. The Ministry of Public Health similarly provides all routine vaccines free of charge to the entire community.Dr Hamad al-Mudahka, executive director of Preventive Health at PHCC, described immunisation as one of the greatest public health achievements of the modern era, citing its role in curbing infectious diseases, limiting complications, strengthening community immunity and preventing outbreaks in densely populated settings. He said awareness campaigns were being intensified to dispel misconceptions and encourage adherence to vaccination schedules.Dr Khalid Elawad, health protection manager at PHCC, said appointments can be booked by calling 107 or by visiting any PHCC centre. "This initiative forms part of a national strategy aimed at increasing vaccination coverage, reducing the spread of infectious diseases, and promoting prevention as the first choice in healthcare," he said. Advance booking is encouraged to ease scheduling and allow pre-vaccination medical advice where needed.He stressed that vaccines undergo rigorous scientific review, are safe and effective, and strengthen rather than weaken immunity. More than one vaccine may be administered in a single visit without conflict.Immunisation covers all age groups from birth, with priority given to children up to five years, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions. Annual seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and above, particularly those at higher risk. 

A tourist visiting Doha after performing Umrah found his holiday unexpectedly unfolding amid regional tensions, describing a mix of concern and reassurance as Qatar’s calm atmosphere and welcoming community helped ease uncertainty.What began as a short holiday in Qatar for American visitor Wajeeh Mehmood turned into an unexpected experience of witnessing regional tensions firsthand, yet he says the calm atmosphere in Doha has been reassuring despite moments of uncertainty.Mehmood, who arrived in Doha after completing Umrah in Saudi Arabia, said visiting Qatar had long been on his travel list.“I had always wanted to come to Doha,” he said. “I’ve been to Dubai and other places in the region, but I always heard beautiful things about Doha from friends back home.”However, only a few days into his stay, regional developments intensified, and Mehmood found himself hearing the sounds of missile interceptions for the first time.“At first I thought it was just another situation in the region that would blow over,” he recalled. “But when I actually heard the explosions and felt the windows shaking, I realised this was serious.”He described the moment when the situation suddenly felt real. “I went to the window and saw everything shaking and thought, ‘Okay, what’s going on?’ It was a bit scary.”Despite the initial shock, Mehmood said the experience also highlighted the sense of calm that continues to characterise daily life in Doha.“What surprised me is that many places were still open,” he said. “Restaurants were open, people were still going about their daily lives.”According to Mehmood, this sense of normality appeared to stem from residents’ confidence in the country’s response.“I think people are not freaking out because they feel safe,” he said. “That says something about the trust people have in the government and how the situation is being handled.”He also noted the supportive atmosphere within the community. “People have been very welcoming. Some even say, ‘If you want to come over for iftar, let us know.’ That kind of hospitality really stands out.”At the same time, he admitted that the uncertainty surrounding travel plans has been challenging.“My mum keeps texting me asking when I’m coming home,” he said with a smile. “And of course it’s Ramadan, so missing iftar with my family is difficult.”The frequent alerts and news updates have also created moments of anxiety. “At the beginning it was very alarming,” he said. “But after a few days you almost become a little desensitised to it. It becomes another alert on your phone.”For now, Mehmood says he is trying to remain positive while waiting for travel plans to become clearer. “It’s a strange situation. On one hand, it feels like an extended holiday in a beautiful city. On the other hand, you’re not sure what will happen next.”Still, he remains appreciative of his experience in Qatar. “Doha is a beautiful city, and the people are amazing and very hospitable,” he said. “If there is anywhere to be stuck for a while, it’s not a bad place to be.” 

His Excellency Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem, and Minister of Haj and Umrah of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabiah, signed in Jeddah Sunday a pact to regulate the arrangements for Qatar's pilgrims for 1447 AH, as part of the joint coordination between both ministries and the early preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage season. The agreement intends to reinforce collaboration and joint coordination for facilitating the entry and exit of Qatar's pilgrims through all ports, streamlining their procedures while they're inside the kingdom, in addition to backing the Qatari Haj Affairs Office's efforts in providing top-notch services in the areas of transportation, accommodation, and the pilgrims' move to the Holy Sites, ensuring an easy and tranquil performance of Haj rites. **media[379692]** The signing took place as part of the participation of HE al-Ghanem in the 5th Haj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition, themed "From Makkah to the World", patronised by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Organised by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah, in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Programme, the two events are held from November 9 to 12, with the participation of over 270 local and global entities, alongside 225 speakers. The events convene nearly 80 panel discussions and 60 professional workshops. During the meeting, both ministers discussed a raft of regulatory and service themes that constitute a priority in Awqaf's plans for the upcoming period, foremost of which is advancing services in the Holy Sites and connecting them with the projects of optimising logistics and infrastructure support for pilgrims. **media[379694]** His Excellency al-Ghanem hailed the monumental efforts taken by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, coupled with a steadfast follow-up on the part of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud to have innovative facilitations and services in place, in terms of top-notch services that help pilgrims perform pilgrimage rites in a comfort and tranquil atmosphere. He affirmed that the sage leadership in Qatar is committed to providing all kinds of amenities to the nation's pilgrims. **media[379693]** For his part, al-Rabiah lauded the level of the terrific organisation the Qatari Haj Mission had displayed during the last Haj season 1446 AH, along with the adherence of Qatar's pilgrims to the regulatory instructions, considering these as reflective of Awqaf's superb efforts in managing the Haj campaign. In addition, the two ministers underscored that pilgrims' safety and health are among the top priorities, noting the importance of enforcing the health cards of pilgrims to ensure they are fit and free of chronic and life-threatening illnesses as part of the joint efforts to secure a wholesome and safe pilgrimage season. The two aforementioned events are a global platform that convenes a top-rung of officials, experts, and representatives of states and organizations to review the state-of-the-art outstanding projects and initiatives, as well as cutting-edge technologies in the Haj and Umrah system. The move manifests Saudi Arabia's efforts to have a sophisticated infrastructure provided to pilgrims, streamline their procedures, and improve their faith experience from the moment of their arrival until departure.