Awqaf Opens Registration for 1448 AH Hajj Season, Quota

Doha, Qatar | September 06, 2026 – The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, through its Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, has opened registration for those wishing to perform Hajj during the 1448 AH season.

Registration Open From Sept. 20 to Oct. 20

Registration will run from September 20 through October 20 via the official Hajj website, hajj.gov.qa. The move comes as part of the Ministry's early preparations for the season and its efforts to further strengthen the services provided to pilgrims from Qatar.

Early Registration Reflects Success of Past Seasons

Speaking at a press conference in Doha, Director of the Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs Ali bin Sultan Al Musaifri said the early registration follows the positive outcomes of past seasons, which helped Hajj operators complete their contracts and operational arrangements earlier. He emphasized that the move has had a direct positive impact on the quality of services offered to pilgrims from Qatar, allowing them to remain focused on the season.

Saudi Ministry's Early Preparations Timeline

Al Musaifri said the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has adopted an early timetable for preparations for the season, including the allocation of country quotas, the completion of accommodation, catering and transportation contracts, and the opening of electronic pathways for campaign-related procedures. This, he said, necessitates starting the process early to ensure the optimal use of available opportunities.

Qatar's Quota Set at 4,400 Pilgrims

Al Musaifri further noted that Qatar's quota for the 1448 AH Hajj season stands at 4,400 pilgrims, stating that the approved eligibility requirements are based on the health-capacity standard adopted by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah since last season. The standard is intended to ensure that pilgrims are physically able to perform the rites with ease and safety in accordance with the approved regulations, he said.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

Regarding eligibility requirements, Al Musaifri said Qatari citizens must be at least 18 years old to register, with the option of adding up to three accompanying persons to a single application. For residents and citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, applicants must be at least 45 years old and must not have previously performed Hajj, with the option to add only one accompanying person, and must have maintained continuous residency in Qatar for at least 15 years.

Al Musaifri urged prospective applicants to carefully review all eligibility requirements and ensure their accompanying persons are included in the main application from the outset, to avoid any potential impediments that could affect the application and approval process.

Enhanced Online Payment System

He revealed that the online registration system for this season has been enhanced through more flexible and user-friendly electronic payment mechanisms, enabling Qatar's pilgrims to complete the contracting process with approved Hajj campaigns through the online platform. Awqaf has also provided guidance materials and digital awareness videos explaining the registration steps, campaign-selection procedures, contract execution and completion of online payment transactions, helping streamline procedures and enhance beneficiary satisfaction.

Al Musaifri noted that all licensed and approved Hajj operators for the season will be available through the Hajj website, urging the public to contact the Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs through its official channels and hotline (132) for inquiries, feedback and complaints.

Advance Payment Explained

Regarding the electronic contracting process, Al Musaifri said pilgrims will make payment through the electronic system upon finalizing registration, with the amount to be announced at a later date. He clarified that the payment does not constitute a registration fee but serves as an advance payment that will be deducted from the final cost of the contracted Hajj package. He stressed that the measure is intended to ensure the seriousness of applicants and their compliance with registration procedures, noting that the final cost of Hajj varies from one campaign to another depending on the level of services provided.

Screening to Begin After Registration Closes

Al Musaifri said electronic screening of applications will commence immediately after registration closes, with acceptance notifications and approvals sent to registered applicants via text message beginning in late October. He emphasized that this process will enable Hajj operators to finalize their operational arrangements early and prepare for the season based on the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Medical Fitness Certificate Required

Head of the Medical Unit at Qatar's Hajj Mission Dr. Hamad Al Rumaihi said obtaining a medical fitness certificate is the primary step for those wishing to register for this year's Hajj season, noting that the document is among the approved requirements of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The document will be available at all health centers across Qatar, Al Rumaihi said, adding that applicants can visit any center to undergo the required medical examination, after which the results are entered electronically into the health system linked to the Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs. He said the fitness requirement is intended to safeguard pilgrims' health and enable them to perform the Hajj rites with ease and safety, preventing potential health risks throughout the journey. Details of the health requirements are available on the department's website.

Source: QNA