OMAN: 200 expats to perform Haj through Awqaf

May 09, 2022

As many as 200 expatriates will perform Haj through the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs this year, along with 5,956 Omanis, according to the ministry.

The remaining 418 includes Arab and non-Arab pilgrims along with administrative staff, technicians and various service providers besides the Royal Oman Police and Oman Army.

Oman began Haj registration on Monday, May 9, and expression of interest to carry out Haj rituals in the holy city and was invited from both citizens and expatriates.

Speaking to the Observer, Abdulaziz bin Masoud al Ghafri, Assistant Director General of the General Directorate of Preaching and Guidance at the ministry, said that this will form part of the 6,338 pilgrims from the Sultanate of Oman for this year's Haj quota.

"A whopping number of Omanis and expatriates will visit the holy sites this year in connection with the holy Haj pilgrimage," he said.

In 2021, the rituals of Haj were conducted virtually and only those inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were allowed to perform Haj practically.

The year before, 14,700 people from Oman performed Haj which included 13,500 Omanis, 250 Arab and 250 non-Arab pilgrims besides 700 members from various ministries, Royal Oman Police (ROP), Defence, Oman Scouts and Guides, other administrative staff, technicians and representatives of various service providers.

This was following the 14,000 believers who performed Haj the year earlier, after registering with the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (Awqaf).