MUSCAT, JULY 8
The 'Awqaf Bait Al Ribat' programme has provided financial support worth over RO 200,000 to citizens registered under the Social Security system, enabling them to fulfil Haj without financial burden, according to the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs.
The launch of the ‘Tataman wa Ta'ammin’ initiative, a smartwatch for the elderly, people with disabilities, and the sick, to provide health tracking and monitoring services, direct notifications, and accurate medical indicators, was a successful move this year.
Speaking to the Observer on the sidelines of the press conference, Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and Head of the Oman Haj Mission, said that the rate of satisfaction of the pilgrims rose to 98 per cent, besides achieving high-quality indicators in the level of services provided to pilgrims.
“The success of the Haj season was due to the wise directives and continuous support of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, close cooperation with various governmental and private entities, and the significant efforts exerted by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia and the participating service and security agencies,” he said, praising the role played by Haj and Umrah companies and all those working in the mission in serving the pilgrims.
As many as 10,966 pilgrims from Oman reached for Haj via air (78 per cent), while 3,034 pilgrims (22 per cent) travelled by land. The average cost of Haj by air was RO 2,013, while the average cost by land was RO 1,647.
As part of the development initiatives implemented by the mission, he explained that the ministry organised the Second Haj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition with the participation of more than 60 governmental, private, local, and international entities. In addition, 19 working papers and training workshops were conducted, and four memoranda of understanding were signed. The ministry also launched the ‘Haj Lab’ initiative, which contributed to studying more than 133 development ideas and holding more than 32 meetings with relevant parties to improve the experience of Omani pilgrims.
The "Aviation" initiative launched by the ministry has helped individuals to reduce RO 40 from their airfare cost per pilgrim, totalling over RO 490,000. Furthermore, the number of pilgrims travelling by land was reduced from 5,122 in the 1446 AH season to 3,034 in the 1447 AH season, a decrease of more than 2,000 pilgrims, thus enhancing pilgrim safety and the quality of services provided to them.
“Also, the precise digital tracking system for the movement of Omani buses along the land route ensured direct monitoring and rapid response, thus safeguarding the safety and comfort of pilgrims from the Sultanate of Oman.”
He further confirmed that the Oman Haj Mission had officially received the preliminary arrangements document for the 1448 AH Haj and had begun preparations for the upcoming season before the end of the previous one. He noted that the ministry would continue working to develop the Haj system and improve services.
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