A senior official has announced the establishment of a dedicated private passage for Haj pilgrims departing from Dubai for the yearly Islamic pilgrimage.
Pilgrims will benefit from exclusive check-in and passport control counters, along with designated departure gates, alleviating congestion during Dubai’s peak travel periods before the Eid Al Adha holiday and summer vacation.
Mohammad Al Marzouqi, who heads the Haj Committee at Dubai Airports, informed Khaleej Times that Haj pilgrims will have access to a private pathway within the airport premises, guiding them directly to their departure gates.
Requests for special departure gates were made by airlines operating Haj flights nearly two months ago.
“Each airline has been allocated a specific terminal and area. For instance, certain passengers will depart from Terminal 3, section 3; while Saudi Airlines flights will depart from Terminal 1, section 6; and Flynas from Terminal 1, section 4,” clarified the official.
Saudi Arabia imposes quotas for countries to ensure that pilgrims worldwide have the opportunity to perform Haj. Over 6,200 Haj pilgrims will depart from the UAE, with 4,600 departing from Dubai International Airport (DXB). Expatriates must adhere to the quotas and procedures of their respective home countries. The official further stated that more than 100,000 expatriate pilgrims will transit through DXB.
Haj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage, is scheduled to commence on June 14. UAE residents will observe a public holiday from June 15 to 18 to commemorate Arafat Day, Islam’s holiest day, and the Islamic holiday Eid Al Adha. The extended weekend will witness numerous residents departing from Dubai for a short vacation.
Post Departure Checklist
Pre-departure checklist: Al Marzouqi advised Haj pilgrims to arrive at the airport at least four hours before their scheduled departure time. “Upon arrival, they will undergo blood pressure and sugar testing. Health authorities’ experts will provide guidance on what to expect during the pilgrimage. Additionally, umbrellas and water bottles will be distributed.”
Pilgrims must carry their passports, Haj permits, and vaccination cards, he added.
Emphasizing the importance of meticulously reviewing documents and travel arrangements before arriving at the airport, the official urged pilgrims to stay hydrated during the pilgrimage. Earlier weather forecasts for Saudi Arabia indicated that pilgrims would encounter average high temperatures of 44°C during Haj.
The initial return flight is scheduled to arrive at DXB on June 19.