First batch of pilgrims from Jordan leaves for Hajj

AMMAN — The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs on Wednesday held a farewell ceremony in the Al Jizah district's Al Hujjaj city, marking the departure of the first group of an estimated 650 Jordanian pilgrims to perform Hajj (the greater Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca), according to a ministry statement cited by Al Mamlaka TV.

Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Al Khalayleh said that 8,000 Jordanian pilgrims will travel for the Hajj this year, including 2,775 who have chosen to travel by air, and 4,162 who have opted for land travel in 150 "VIP" buses and 15 buses of European origin. 

Out of the total, 1,042 pilgrims have selected the VIP package, while 5,799 have chosen the regular package. He emphasised that the pilgrims' accommodations are situated at a maximum distance of 1,500-2,000 metres from the Haram Mosque in Mecca.

Approximately 1,700 pilgrims were born in 1946 or earlier, Khalayleh added. The minister further acknowledged that the current Hajj season “poses its challenges”, calling for the cooperation of all involved to ensure its success.

The ministry has facilitated all arrangements for the Palestinian pilgrims within the 1948 borders, with around 4,500 pilgrims choosing the VIP package, Al Mamlaka reported.

The Hajj and Umrah Department of the ministry has announced the completion of necessary preparations and procedures for this year's Hajj season.

The department has considered the feedback and suggestions received from the accompanying personnel of the Jordanian Hajj mission, Hajj companies and the Jordanian pilgrims from the previous season.

There has been a change in the pilgrims' route for this season, as they will depart directly from the Kingdom to Mecca. Upon their completion of the Hajj rituals, their return journey will be from Mecca to Medina, where they will stay for a few days before returning home. This modification aims to minimise the effort and expenses for the pilgrims during their journey.

For the first time, the pilgrims will be accommodated in four-star hotels located approximately 1,200 to 1,500 metres away from the Haram Mosque and less than 400 metres away from the Prophet's Mosque.

In terms of services, the department assured that food and beverage provisions will be offered to Jordanian pilgrims throughout their stay in Mecca and Medina.

The department clarified that the pilgrimage journey will span approximately 15 days, during which the pilgrims will be accompanied by administrative, medical and media teams.