Saudi Arabia Approves 1.860 Buildings to Accomodate Hajj Pilgrims

Mecca – A Saudi committee responsible for accommodating Muslim pilgrims during the annual Hajj season in the holy city of Mecca has granted permits to 1,860 licensed buildings.

These buildings will accommodate around 1.2 million Hajj pilgrims during the Hajj season.

Mecca's Deputy Governor, Prince Saud bin Meshal, recently extended the deadline for receiving applications from building owners for permits until the end of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic lunar calendar, corresponding to May 8, 2024.

The number of buildings for Hajj pilgrims in Mecca, known as the Holy Capital, is estimated to exceed 5,000 buildings.

Nearly two million Hajj pilgrims from around the world performed the pilgrimage in and around Mecca last year. This marked their return to pre-pandemic levels.

Saudi Arabia recently revealed regulations for the upcoming Hajj season scheduled for June and emphasized early preparations.

"Based on these regulations, no specific places will be allocated for countries in the Saudi holy sites during the new pilgrimage season," said Saudi Hajj Minister Tawfiq Al Rabiah.

He explained that places for different countries will be determined depending on contract completion.

The issuance of Hajj visas will start on March 1 and end on the 20th of Shawwal, corresponding to April 29.

The arrival of Hajj pilgrims will begin on the 1st of Dhu al-Qi'dah, the 11th month of the Islamic calendar, corresponding to May 9.

This new mechanism aims to facilitate Hajj preparations, an Islamic obligation that must be performed at least once in a lifetime by physically and financially capable Muslims.