By Mubarak Mahmood
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, has formally declared the commencement of preparations for the 2026/1447H Hajj season.
The announcement marks the official start of arrangements and planning activities for the upcoming pilgrimage.
The declaration was made during the prestigious Labbaitum Awards of Excellence ceremony held in Makkah, which marked the conclusion of the 2025/1446H Hajj season.
The event celebrated the achievements and contributions of key players in the Hajj industry during the 2025 operations.
The ceremony was graced by several high-ranking dignitaries, including the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, along with members of his delegation.
In his keynote address, Dr. Al-Rabiah reassured all stakeholders of the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe, seamless and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience.
He reflected on the successes of the 2025 Hajj operations, highlighting the importance of early planning, innovation, and coordinated efforts as critical drivers for future success.
As part of the launch, the Preliminary Arrangements Document for Hajj Affairs’ Offices was officially released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to participating Hajj nations signaling the beginning of operational planning for 2026/1447H.
NAHCON Chairman Professor Usman commended the exceptional cooperation and dedication exhibited by Nigerian stakeholders including state pilgrims’ boards, licensed tour operators, health officials, aviation professionals, security personnel, and NAHCON staff.
With this declaration, the momentum for Hajj 2026 has officially begun.
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