The Comorian national Hajj agency, led by Mohamed El-Fatih Fadhul Djamalylayl, has finalized a contract with Saudi airline Saudia for the air transport of Comorian pilgrims during the 2027 Hajj season. The agreement, which runs from May 2 to 22, 2027, was signed on the sidelines of the 6th Hajj Congress and Exhibition in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The congress, themed "From Mecca to the World," aims to help Hajj organizations worldwide prepare for the upcoming season and showcase Saudi Arabia's 2030 vision.
The 6th Hajj Congress and Exhibition, held from November 8 to 11, brought together over 520 public, private, and non-profit organizations from more than 150 countries. The Comorian delegation, including Abdallah Yahya, special advisor to the President of the Republic for religious affairs, sought to strengthen cooperation with Saudi authorities and sector partners, improve services for Comorian pilgrims, and enhance their quality. The event featured the participation of high-ranking officials, including the Vice-Governor of the Mecca region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz.
The Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfig ben Fawzan Al-Rabiah, highlighted the sector's key advancements, including an increase to 34 companies providing services to foreign pilgrims, direct contracting in 58 countries, and expanded access to Hajj for 75 additional countries through the Direct Hajj program. He also discussed preparations for the 1448H season, conducted in coordination with pilgrim affairs bureaus from 78 countries, and developments in transportation, digital transformation, and the "Nusuk" platform.
The "Nusuk" platform and application have garnered over 70 million users, with a pilgrim satisfaction rate of 93% in 1447H. The minister emphasized the congress as a platform for preparatory work, partnership creation, contract finalization, and service development. The opening ceremony also saw the launch of the Awareness and Training Forum and the unified workers' portal, as well as the signing of eight agreements and memoranda of understanding.
The agreements signed during the congress cover education, tourism, transportation, research, innovation, and improving the experience of pilgrims and Umrah performers. One of the key agreements is the "Wasel Al-Haram" project, which aims to develop stations and routes leading to the Grand Mosque, with a budget of 5.6 billion riyals. The project will be implemented in cooperation with the Royal Authority for the City of Mecca and the Holy Sites and two private sector consortia.
The Comorian delegation's participation in the congress aimed to enhance cooperation and improve services for Comorian pilgrims. The contract signed with Saudia ensures the air transport of Comorian pilgrims during the 2027 Hajj season. The event provided a platform for the Comorian delegation to engage with Saudi authorities and sector partners.
The 2027 Hajj season is expected to see improved services and infrastructure, with a focus on enhancing the pilgrim experience. The Saudi government's efforts to develop the Hajj sector, including the implementation of the 2030 vision, are underway. The Comoros' national Hajj agency will work closely with Saudia to ensure a smooth and successful pilgrimage for Comorian pilgrims.
Key points
- Comoros' national Hajj agency signs contract with Saudia for 2027 Hajj air transport
- 6th Hajj Congress and Exhibition held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Arabia aims to improve Hajj services and infrastructure as part of its 2030 vision
