Anxiously waiting Emiratis will be able to experience the life-changing spiritual journey as the official timetable for the next pilgrimage season has been set. The UAE’s General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf) has officially announced that registration for those wishing to do Hajj in 2027 would begin on September 14, 2026. After a tight 12-day opening, the long-awaited registration period would then formally conclude on September 25, 2026. The UAE government is hoping to ensure thorough planning, flawless logistical arrangements and an unrivaled level of service for all its pilgrims coming to the holy sites in Makkah, by commencing the registration process several months ahead.
To make things easier and more accessible, all prospective pilgrims will need to fill in their formal applications online in full. The streamlined registration process will be available over the authority’s dedicated internet portal and the official Awqaf smart application.
Automated Screening & Selection Process
As the number of applicants is expected to be very enormous every year, the UAE has a very comprehensive, transparent and fully automated screening procedure to choose eligible pilgrims.
The Awqaf administration has officially announced that all applications would be properly checked by an intelligent automated system. This digital high-level screening is largely based on the eligibility criteria and stringent legally recognized standards to provide the highest level of fairness to all and is in full accordance with Cabinet Resolution No. 32 of 2018.
- Application Period: September 14 – September 25, 2026.
- Announcement Date: The whole screening process will be concluded very soon and the final list of accepted pilgrims will be published on October 9, 2026.
- Next Steps: Following the October 9 announcement, authorities will reach out to all chosen individuals to complete any outstanding travel, health and logistical requirements.
Vision for UAE Presidency and Early-Stage Planning
“Announcing the registration schedule in advance is part of a comprehensive plan to provide the best services to the Emirati pilgrims at the holy sites in Saudi Arabia, inside the United Arab Emirates and abroad.”
This deep commitment to pilgrim care is actively supported by the upper echelons of the national government. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, discussed at a high-level meeting in July detailed ways to improve the Hajj experience for UAE citizens. Sheikh Mohamed stressed that the health and safety of the Emirati pilgrims in their entirety, from the moment they embark from the airports of the UAE until their safe and happy return home, is a major national priority at the critical discussions. The discussions were about improving ground operations, upgrading medical treatment, and providing a smoother travel experience.
Saudi Hajj Deadlines and Expected Dates
Following the UAE’s preparations, Saudi Arabian authorities have also revealed crucial deadlines and projected dates for the following season in 2027. The dates are important for the management of crowds in the Kingdom and logistic preparations across the globe.
- Umrah Departure Deadline: Saudi authorities have said the last date for all Umrah pilgrims to leave the Kingdom is April 7, 2027, to safely prepare the holy cities for the huge influx of Hajj pilgrims.
- Day of Arafah: Advanced astrological calculations currently indicate the Day of Arafah, the highest spiritual peak of the Hajj season, will be May 15, 2027.
Hajj Success in the Wake of 2026
Preparations for the 2027 season will aggressively build on the huge triumphs and logistical wins of the previous year, said the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat.
For an idea of the size of this spiritual congregation, a total of 6,228 Emiratis managed to finish the trek in the 2026 Hajj season, alongside 1.7 million faithful pilgrims from 165 countries who thronged Makkah. The Awqaf authority attributes the excellent performance of the UAE Pilgrims Affairs Office during these previous seasons to continuous technological development, strict assessment of performance, and the clever use of smart services.
As the registration day for Hajj 2027 approaches on September 14, Emirati citizens are asked to download the Awqaf smart app, authenticate their digital identity, and prepare their applications for a smooth registration process.
