**UAE residents planning to perform Hajj in 2027 will be able to submit their pilgrimage applications from September, with Awqaf confirming the registration timeline for prospective pilgrims.**
Hajj 2027: UAE Pilgrims Can Begin Registration in September, Awqaf Announces.
Authorities will release the final list of successful Hajj applicants on October 9, after which selected pilgrims will be contacted and guided through the remaining documentation and arrangements required for the pilgrimage.
UAE opens Hajj 2027 registration for citizens from September 14
UAE nationals planning to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage in 2027 will be able to begin the registration process from September 14, 2026, according to an announcement issued by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat on Monday.
The opening of registration marks the beginning of the UAE’s preparations for the next Hajj season, giving citizens who intend to perform the pilgrimage an opportunity to submit their applications well in advance.
The authority said applications will undergo an automated selection process based on the eligibility standards, conditions and criteria approved for the upcoming pilgrimage season. Applicants will therefore not be selected simply on the basis of when they submit their applications, but through the established screening mechanism and requirements.
The process is intended to provide an organised and transparent system for determining which UAE citizens will be able to perform Hajj under the country’s allocated arrangements for 2027.
Registration begins in September
Prospective pilgrims will be able to register their names starting September 14, 2026.
The announcement gives UAE citizens several weeks to prepare their applications before the authorities complete the selection process. Those intending to perform Hajj are expected to ensure that they meet the applicable conditions before submitting their details.
Once applications have been received, the authority will review them through its automated screening system. The selection process will follow the approved criteria and requirements governing participation in the pilgrimage.
The registration stage is an important part of the UAE’s annual Hajj preparations because it allows authorities to identify prospective pilgrims, organise the selection process and begin making arrangements for those who are ultimately approved.
Selection will follow approved criteria
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat clarified that the selection of pilgrims will be carried out electronically.
An automated screening mechanism will be used to assess applications against the conditions and criteria approved for the Hajj season.
This approach is designed to provide a structured method for processing a potentially large number of applications while ensuring that the selection procedure follows the established requirements.
Applicants will therefore need to provide the necessary information and satisfy the relevant conditions when completing their registration.
The authority’s use of an automated system also forms part of the wider effort to streamline the pilgrimage application process and make preparations more efficient for both officials and prospective pilgrims.
Approved names expected on October 9
Following the registration and screening stages, the names of UAE citizens who have been approved to perform Hajj are expected to be announced on October 9.
The screening process is scheduled to be completed before the announcement of the final list.
Once the successful applicants have been identified, the relevant pilgrims will be contacted so that they can proceed with the remaining requirements and formalities associated with the pilgrimage.
The period between registration, selection and final preparations is intended to give approved pilgrims sufficient time to complete the necessary procedures before travelling for Hajj.
For successful applicants, the announcement of their names will represent the beginning of the next stage of preparations, including completing the documentation and other arrangements required for the journey.
Early planning for the Hajj season
The authority said the timetable reflects its commitment to beginning preparations for the new Hajj season at an early stage.
Advance planning is particularly important for an event involving large numbers of pilgrims travelling from different locations and requiring a wide range of logistical and administrative arrangements.
By opening registration in September and announcing the selected pilgrims in October, authorities can begin organising services well ahead of the actual pilgrimage.
Early preparations can also give pilgrims more time to understand the procedures they need to complete, arrange their travel requirements and prepare for their journey.
The authority’s approach is intended to ensure that the process is organised from the initial registration stage through to the pilgrims’ arrival at the holy sites.
Services for pilgrims in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat also emphasised its commitment to providing high-quality services to pilgrims throughout the Hajj journey.
This includes support and preparation before pilgrims leave the UAE as well as arrangements connected with their experience at the holy sites in Makkah.
The authority’s preparations therefore cover more than simply selecting the names of pilgrims.
A successful Hajj operation requires coordination across several stages, beginning with registration and continuing through documentation, travel, accommodation and services during the pilgrimage.
The objective is to ensure that UAE pilgrims receive appropriate assistance throughout the process and can focus on fulfilling their religious obligations.
UAE’s 2026 Hajj quota
The announcement also comes against the backdrop of the UAE’s participation in the 2026 Hajj season.
For Hajj 2026, the country approved the names of 6,228 Emirati citizens to undertake the pilgrimage.
The figure provides an indication of the number of UAE nationals who were permitted to participate during the previous Hajj season.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage involves significant international coordination, with countries managing their own arrangements for citizens while authorities in Saudi Arabia oversee the wider organisation of the pilgrimage.
For the UAE, the selection of approved citizens is therefore an important part of ensuring that the country’s Hajj arrangements are properly managed.
More than 1.7 million pilgrims attended Hajj
The scale of the global pilgrimage was also highlighted by the number of people who participated in Hajj this year.
More than 1.7 million pilgrims from 165 countries took part in the pilgrimage.
The figures underline the international nature and enormous scale of Hajj, which brings together Muslims from across the world in Makkah.
For countries sending pilgrims to the holy sites, detailed advance planning is essential because of the large number of people travelling at the same time.
The UAE’s early registration and selection process forms part of this broader effort to prepare pilgrims before they travel.
What prospective pilgrims should expect
UAE citizens planning to apply for Hajj 2027 should be prepared to complete the registration process once applications open on September 14.
Applicants will be subject to the approved eligibility criteria and requirements, and registration does not automatically guarantee selection.
The authority will use its automated screening system to determine which applicants meet the relevant conditions and are approved to perform the pilgrimage.
Once the screening process has been completed, the successful applicants will be announced on October 9.
Those whose names appear on the approved list will then be contacted and asked to complete the necessary procedures.
This staged process allows authorities to separate the initial application phase from the final preparation stage, giving successful pilgrims clear guidance on what needs to be done next.
Importance of completing procedures on time
After selection, approved pilgrims will need to complete the remaining requirements within the specified timeframe.
The period following the announcement of successful applicants is expected to be important for finalising arrangements ahead of the pilgrimage.
Pilgrims may need to complete documentation and other formalities before they can proceed with the travel arrangements connected with Hajj.
Early notification of successful applicants allows them to begin preparing without having to wait until shortly before the pilgrimage.
It also enables authorities and service providers to organise the necessary arrangements based on the confirmed number of pilgrims.
A structured annual process
The UAE’s Hajj registration system is part of a broader annual process designed to manage pilgrimage arrangements for Emirati citizens.
Each stage has a specific purpose, from opening applications and screening candidates to confirming approved pilgrims and completing preparations.
The announcement of the September registration date gives prospective pilgrims an important reference point as they prepare for Hajj 2027.
The October 9 date for the announcement of successful applicants provides another key milestone in the process.
Together, these dates establish a clear timeline for citizens who wish to perform the pilgrimage next year.
Focus on efficient preparation
The authority’s emphasis on early preparation reflects the complexity of organising Hajj arrangements.
Large numbers of pilgrims require coordinated services, and advance planning can help reduce administrative pressure as the pilgrimage approaches.
Starting the process several months ahead also gives officials more time to coordinate with relevant parties and ensure that approved pilgrims receive the information and support they need.
For pilgrims, early preparation can make it easier to complete required procedures and address any outstanding documentation or arrangements before departure.
Continued focus on pilgrim welfare
The authority said its preparations are aimed at providing the best possible services to UAE pilgrims both before they travel and once they reach the holy sites in Makkah.
The focus on services reflects the importance of supporting pilgrims throughout the different stages of their journey.
Hajj involves a demanding schedule and requires pilgrims to follow a number of arrangements and procedures. Having organised support can help ensure that participants receive the necessary guidance throughout the pilgrimage.
For the UAE authorities, this makes preparation an important part of ensuring a smooth experience for citizens selected to perform Hajj.
What happens after October 9?
Once the approved names are announced on October 9, successful applicants will be contacted to move forward with the remaining procedures.
This notification stage will allow pilgrims to receive information about the next steps and complete the requirements associated with their participation.
Those who are selected will then have the opportunity to finalise their preparations with greater certainty, knowing that they have been approved to perform the pilgrimage.
The authorities’ early timeline means that the selection process will be completed well ahead of the Hajj season itself, allowing both pilgrims and officials sufficient time to prepare.
Looking ahead to Hajj 2027
The opening of registration on September 14 represents the first major step in the UAE’s preparations for Hajj 2027.
UAE citizens intending to undertake the pilgrimage will need to submit their applications through the designated registration process and meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
The authority will subsequently use its automated screening mechanism to assess applications according to the approved criteria.
The successful applicants are scheduled to be announced on October 9, after which they will be contacted to complete the remaining formalities.
The early timeline reflects the UAE’s effort to organise Hajj arrangements well in advance and provide pilgrims with sufficient time to prepare.
The experience of the 2026 Hajj season, when 6,228 Emirati citizens were approved to perform the pilgrimage, provides a recent reference point for the country’s arrangements.
At the international level, the participation of more than 1.7 million people from 165 countries during this year’s Hajj demonstrates the enormous scale of the pilgrimage and the need for careful coordination.
For UAE citizens hoping to perform Hajj next year, the immediate priority will be to take note of the September 14 registration date and ensure that they are prepared to submit their applications.
Those selected through the official screening process will then be informed on October 9 and guided through the subsequent procedures.
By beginning the registration and selection process early, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat aims to create a more organised pathway for prospective pilgrims while preparing the necessary services in advance.
The authority has reiterated its commitment to supporting Emirati pilgrims throughout their Hajj journey, both before their departure from the UAE and during their time at the holy sites in Makkah.
With registration set to begin in September, prospective pilgrims now have a clear starting point for their preparations for Hajj 2027.
UAE Hajj 2027 registration deadline set for September 25
UAE nationals intending to perform Hajj in 2027 will have a limited period to submit their applications, with the registration process scheduled to close on September 25.
Applications can be submitted through the smart application and official website of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat. The digital process allows prospective pilgrims to complete their applications remotely and provides authorities with the information required to conduct the selection process.
Citizens planning to undertake the pilgrimage are encouraged to complete their applications within the specified registration period rather than waiting until the final days. Once the application window closes, authorities will proceed with the screening and selection procedures according to the approved criteria for the upcoming Hajj season.
The registration timeline forms part of the UAE’s broader preparations for Hajj 2027, with authorities seeking to organise the pilgrimage arrangements well ahead of the expected travel period.
Digital registration for prospective pilgrims
The use of the Awqaf smart app and website provides UAE citizens with convenient digital channels for submitting their Hajj applications.
Prospective pilgrims can use these official platforms to provide the required information and complete the registration process during the designated application period.
The digital system also forms part of wider efforts to make government services more accessible and efficient. By allowing applications to be submitted electronically, the process can reduce the need for applicants to visit offices in person and make it easier for authorities to manage a large number of applications.
Citizens interested in performing Hajj should therefore ensure that they use the official channels and complete the required steps before the September 25 deadline.
Registration itself does not necessarily mean that an applicant has been approved for the pilgrimage. Applications will be assessed according to the conditions and selection criteria established for Hajj 2027.
Successful applicants will subsequently be informed about the next stages and the procedures they must complete before travelling.
UAE leadership focuses on improving the pilgrimage experience
The preparations for Hajj 2027 come after a review by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of plans aimed at improving the experience of Emirati pilgrims.
In July, Sheikh Mohamed reviewed initiatives designed to strengthen the services and support provided to UAE citizens undertaking the pilgrimage.
The plans focus on several aspects of the Hajj journey, with an emphasis on improving the overall experience for pilgrims and ensuring that arrangements are as smooth and efficient as possible.
The review reflects the importance placed on providing comprehensive support to Emirati pilgrims throughout their journey.
Rather than focusing solely on arrangements at the holy sites, the approach covers the entire pilgrimage experience, beginning with preparations and departure from the UAE and continuing through the pilgrims’ return home.
Focus on services and support
The plans reviewed by Sheikh Mohamed place particular emphasis on improving services available to Emirati pilgrims.
Providing effective support is especially important during Hajj because pilgrims travel as part of a large international gathering and must manage a demanding schedule involving several religious rites and movements between holy sites.
Better coordination and stronger support systems can help pilgrims navigate different stages of the journey more efficiently.
The UAE’s approach aims to ensure that Emirati citizens receive appropriate assistance throughout the pilgrimage, including during their time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The emphasis on service quality also reflects the country’s broader efforts to make the Hajj journey more organised and comfortable for its citizens.
Pilgrim welfare remains a priority
Sheikh Mohamed has stressed that the wellbeing of Emirati pilgrims is a central consideration throughout the Hajj process.
The focus extends from the moment pilgrims arrive at the holy sites until they complete their pilgrimage and safely return to the UAE.
Ensuring the welfare of pilgrims involves more than providing basic travel arrangements. It requires coordination of services and support so that citizens can undertake their religious duties in a safe and organised environment.
The emphasis on a safe return home highlights the UAE’s approach to viewing the pilgrimage as a complete journey rather than a series of isolated stages.
Authorities are therefore expected to continue working on arrangements designed to support pilgrims before departure, during their stay in Saudi Arabia and throughout their return journey.
Preparations begin well before Hajj
The advance registration process is one part of a much wider preparation programme.
With the application window closing on September 25, authorities will have time to process applications, determine the successful candidates and begin completing the arrangements required for the approved pilgrims.
Early planning can also help prospective pilgrims understand what they need to do before travelling.
Once selected, pilgrims will need to complete the relevant procedures and prepare for the journey according to the instructions provided by the authorities.
Starting these preparations months ahead of the pilgrimage gives both officials and pilgrims greater time to address administrative requirements and organise the journey.
Umrah deadline ahead of Hajj 2027
Saudi authorities have also established a deadline for Umrah pilgrims to leave the Kingdom ahead of the next Hajj season.
According to the announced arrangements, the final date for Umrah pilgrims to depart Saudi Arabia will be April 7, 2027.
The deadline comes ahead of the expected start of the Hajj season and is part of the preparations for the arrival of millions of pilgrims for the annual pilgrimage.
As Hajj approaches, the authorities need to transition the holy sites and related services from the regular Umrah season towards the much larger Hajj operation.
The departure deadline therefore forms part of the wider planning process for managing the movement of pilgrims and preparing the holy sites for Hajj.
Arafah Day expected on May 15
Astronomical calculations indicate that Arafah Day, regarded as the central and most significant day of the Hajj pilgrimage, is expected to fall on May 15, 2027.
Arafah Day is a key point in the pilgrimage, when Hajj pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat for prayer and worship.
The date is based on astronomical calculations and remains subject to official confirmation closer to the time, depending on the relevant moon-sighting and religious determinations.
The expected date nevertheless provides an important reference for pilgrims, authorities and travel operators as preparations for Hajj 2027 take shape.
Transition from Umrah to Hajj
The period between the Umrah departure deadline and the expected Arafah Day provides Saudi authorities with time to prepare for the arrival and movement of Hajj pilgrims.
The scale of Hajj requires extensive logistical planning because pilgrims travel through several holy locations and participate in a sequence of religious rites.
Accommodation, transportation, health services, crowd management and other facilities all need to be coordinated ahead of the pilgrimage.
The April 7 deadline for Umrah pilgrims therefore represents an important point in the transition towards the Hajj season.
Once the deadline passes, preparations can intensify for the arrival of pilgrims travelling specifically for Hajj.
UAE pilgrims preparing for the journey
For UAE nationals hoping to perform Hajj in 2027, the immediate step is to complete registration within the official application period.
The registration window will remain open until September 25, with applications available through the Awqaf smart application and website.
Prospective pilgrims should ensure that their information is accurate and that they complete the required registration procedures before the deadline.
Following registration, applications will go through the established screening and selection process.
Those who are approved will then receive information about the subsequent requirements and preparations for the pilgrimage.
Wider effort to improve the Hajj experience
The UAE’s focus on pilgrim welfare and service improvements reflects a broader effort to make the Hajj journey more organised for Emirati citizens.
Leadership-level reviews of Hajj arrangements demonstrate the importance attached to ensuring that pilgrims receive adequate support.
The objective is to provide a smooth journey from the initial stages of preparation and departure through to the religious rites in Saudi Arabia and the eventual return to the UAE.
This comprehensive approach can help address the different needs of pilgrims throughout their journey.
For many citizens, Hajj represents a major religious milestone, making the quality of preparation and support particularly significant.
Importance of early registration
With the September 25 deadline approaching, citizens interested in Hajj 2027 should pay close attention to the official registration schedule.
Submitting an application within the permitted period is the first step, but prospective pilgrims should also be aware that registration does not itself guarantee selection.
The final list will depend on the approved criteria and the screening process established for the season.
Once the selection process is completed, successful applicants will be able to move forward with the remaining formalities.
Early awareness of the process can give applicants more time to prepare financially, administratively and personally for the journey if they are selected.
Planning for a major international pilgrimage
Hajj brings together pilgrims from countries around the world, making it one of the largest annual religious gatherings.
The UAE’s arrangements are therefore part of a much broader international effort to coordinate the movement and welfare of pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.
For Emirati pilgrims, having clear registration procedures and support arrangements can make the process easier to navigate.
The UAE’s emphasis on service improvements and pilgrim welfare also reflects the importance of ensuring that citizens receive appropriate assistance while participating in the pilgrimage.
Looking ahead to Hajj 2027
As the 2027 Hajj season approaches, several important dates will guide the preparations.
UAE nationals can submit their applications through the Awqaf authority’s official digital platforms, with the registration period scheduled to close on September 25.
Meanwhile, Saudi authorities have set April 7, 2027, as the final departure date for Umrah pilgrims ahead of the Hajj season.
Astronomical calculations currently indicate May 15, 2027, as the expected date of Arafah Day, although the final date will depend on the official determination closer to the occasion.
For the UAE, preparations are also being shaped by the leadership’s focus on improving the experience of Emirati pilgrims. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s review of Hajj plans in July highlighted the importance of stronger services, enhanced support and a smoother journey.
The emphasis on pilgrim welfare covers the entire experience, from the time citizens leave the UAE to their arrival at the holy sites and their eventual return home.
For prospective pilgrims, the registration deadline is the most immediate milestone. Completing the application through the official Awqaf channels by September 25 will allow eligible citizens to enter the selection process for Hajj 2027.
As preparations continue, authorities are expected to provide additional guidance to successful applicants regarding documentation, travel arrangements and other procedures.
The overall objective is to ensure that Emirati pilgrims can undertake the pilgrimage in an organised, safe and well-supported manner while allowing authorities sufficient time to coordinate the extensive arrangements required for the Hajj season.
