Registration dates for those intending to perform the Islamic pilgrimage Haj in 2024 have been announced by the UAE. From December 5 to 21, pilgrims can register through the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments' app.

In June of next year, Saudi Arabia will welcome pilgrims to Islam's holiest sites. The first group of pilgrims is expected to arrive in May, according to a Saudi minister.

A limited number of pilgrims can go to Haj; therefore, it is advisable to book in advance, the UAE government says.

A quota system is in place in Saudi Arabia to ensure that pilgrims from around the world can make the journey.

Haj permits are typically issued only to Emiratis in the UAE. Expats must follow the quotas and procedures of their home countries.

Pilgrims usually go on pilgrimages through licensed tour operators, whose lists can be found on the website of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments. There are operators offering all-inclusive Haj packages that cover visa costs, hotels, transportation, and food.

The annual pilgrimage reached full capacity last year for the first time since Covid struck. As a result of the lifting of all Covid-related restrictions, Saudi Arabia welcomed more than 2 million pilgrims in 2023, up from 900,000 in 2018.

One of the five pillars of Islam is the Haj. In order to fulfill their religious obligations, Muslims must perform the pilgrimage once in their lifetimes if they are physically and financially able to do so.