Glimpse of pilgrimage mission

MUSCAT: The Omani Haj Mission stands as one of the Sultanate of Oman’s longstanding seasonal institutions, reflecting decades of organised efforts dedicated to serving Omani pilgrims during the annual Haj season. The mission traces its origins back to 1972, when the first official delegation was formed under Royal directives, marking the beginning of a structured journey that has continued to evolve in line with the growing needs of pilgrims and the expanding scale of services provided each year.
Formed annually by a decision of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, the mission includes the appointment of a head of delegation alongside administrative personnel and religious guides responsible for overseeing pilgrims’ affairs and providing religious guidance throughout the pilgrimage.

Over the years, the mission has grown into a comprehensive operational framework comprising several specialised delegations, including representatives from Royal Oman Police, media teams, scout groups, and a large medical delegation that effectively operates as a mission within the mission itself due to its extensive staffing and medical equipment.
The medical delegation was supported by a dedicated facility housing the mission’s clinic and healthcare services, ensuring that pilgrims received medical care and emergency support throughout the Haj season. The Omani Haj Mission is also recognised for being among the first delegations to arrive in the Holy Lands and among the last to depart, owing to the extensive organisational responsibilities entrusted to it.
Alongside the civilian mission, a separate military Haj delegation is organised annually, enabling members of the armed forces and security agencies to perform Haj as part of the Sultanate’s continued commitment to supporting various segments of society in fulfilling the pilgrimage.

FACTS TO REMEMBER
- August 18, 1984 - 90-member Haj mission leaves for Saudi Arabia by special aircraft
- The mission was headed by Shaikh Suleiman al Salimi, the Director-General at the General Diwan
of the Ministry of Justice, Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
- Shaikh Saleh bin Ahmed al Sawafi was the deputy leader, and the Mufti of the mission is Shaikh
Khalid bin Hamed al Battashi.
- The mission consists of a 24-member administration and finance delegation, a six-member
information delegation, a 25-member medical delegation, a 28-member scouts team, and a three-
member ROP delegation.
- 207 Ministry of Defence personnel were seen off on their way to perform the Haj at
the expense of the Ministry under the directives of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.