Dhs50,000 fine for UAE citizens going for Hajj without permit

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf) has affirmed that a fine of Dhs50,000 will be imposed on any UAE citizen arriving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia without a valid Hajj permit approved by the authority.

The decision comes as part of the authority’s keenness to provide a safe Hajj experience for all UAE pilgrims.

All male and female citizens seeking to perform Hajj have to apply for an official Hajj permit issued by the Awqaf in line with the cabinet’s decisions, which outline the procedures governing the Hajj season in the country and ensure the distribution of opportunities among applicants in a transparent and clear manner through electronic screening programmes, the Awqaf said.

The Awqaf calls on the entire UAE community to abide by the rules and regulations and not to risk spending money and time uselessly, noting that whoever acts outside this framework will bear the responsibilities and consequences of their actions.

The procedure aims to put an end to the phenomenon of unlicensed pilgrims, who head to the UAE pilgrims’ headquarters and create a state of congestion, thereby hindering plans and arrangements for providing services in a manner that meets aspirations and brings complete happiness to pilgrims, it added.