The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs of Oman held an extensive meeting on Sunday with the owners of licensed Hajj and Umrah companies in the country. This meeting focused on the latest initiatives and updates for the Hajj season of 1448 AH and also evaluated key points and indicators from the previous season (1447 AH).
Review of New Initiatives for Hajj 1448 AH
During this session, important topics related to the organization of the Hajj season 1448 AH were discussed. These topics included updates and new implementation mechanisms that ensure the successful conduct of the Hajj ceremonies.
Sultan Hamad Al-Maawali, Director General of Promotion and Guidance at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and Head of the Hajj Season Management Working Group for 1448 AH, stated that Hajj and Umrah companies are considered one of the essential pillars in ensuring the success of the Hajj season. This is achieved through cooperation and integration of the facilities of the Ministry of Awqaf and the relevant authorities in Oman as well as in Saudi Arabia.
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Visitor Satisfaction Rates and Service Improvements
Dr. Ahmed Ali Al-Kaabi, Director General of Awqaf, Funds, Mosque Reconstruction, and Quran Schools, reviewed the most significant improvements in service facilities in the camps and indicators from the previous season (1447 AH). According to reports, the overall satisfaction rate of Omani pilgrims, with 7,200 male and female pilgrims participating, reached 98%, a significant increase compared to the 96% in the 1446 AH season.
The satisfaction rate regarding the level of services provided in the Mina and Arafat camps also reached 97%, indicating an improvement in service quality compared to the previous season. Additionally, the satisfaction of pilgrims with the services of Hajj and Umrah companies in the 1447 AH season reached 98.6%, up from 98.2% in the 1446 AH season.
Regarding entry and exit services through airports and land borders, the satisfaction rate reached 99.4% in the previous season, an improvement from 97.8% in the 1446 AH season. Furthermore, the satisfaction rate for health services provided in the 1447 AH season reached 99%.
Al-Kaabi added that several initiatives have been introduced for the Hajj season 1448 AH, including an initiative in strategic contracts to develop air transport services for Omani pilgrims. This initiative includes economical flights costing approximately 440,000 Omani Riyals for air pilgrims and reduces ground travel time by activating Taif Airport in Saudi Arabia as an alternative strategic destination.
This initiative also includes developing the field experience to provide additional service packages to Hajj companies and enhancing safety, as well as the initiative to hold the second Hajj conference and exhibition, an integrated electronic page initiative, and a medical capability initiative are also in the planning stage.
Hamoud Abdullah Al-Amri, Director of the Hajj Department at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, reviewed contractual considerations, the latest developments of the season, and the management mechanisms of the companies. He also examined the timing and overall program for the 1448 AH season, emphasizing that the timing of this meeting highlights the importance of early preparation to provide the best services to the guests of God from Oman.
Dr. Ali Abdullah Al-Balushi from the Ministry of Health reviewed the criteria for selecting and organizing medical teams accompanying Hajj and Umrah companies and explained the priority for selecting accompanying doctors, the number of health personnel based on the number of pilgrims, and the duties of the accompanying medical team. The meeting concluded with a discussion session that addressed questions and suggestions from Hajj and Umrah companies, examining the challenges they face and ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination.
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