The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) has issued a set of new guidelines for UAE citizens travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
The Ministry highlighted the importance of pre-planning, urging citizens to register through the ‘Nusuk’ application, announced ahead of the start of Ramadan. Through the application, pilgrims can obtain necessary permits for Umrah during the holy month.
The permits can be obtained through the Nusuk website or by downloading the mobile application.
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Additionally, UAE citizens have to be registered o the ‘Tuwajudi’ application, family members also have to be registered on its official website or the mobile application.
The service is enabled for the well-being of the citizens, allowing communication and ease of assistance in case of emergency or crises while abroad.
The Ministry has a 24-hour emergency hotline, 0097180024 in cases of emergencies including if in need of an e-return document in case of the theft, damage, or expiry of their UAE passports, or if a baby is born abroad and the family must return to the country, WAM reported.
Citizens were also alerted against carrying large sums of cash while travelling, especially in public areas, and to only carry necessities like ID copies or passports.
Umrah is a pilgrimage that Muslims undertake to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is considered a highly spiritual and significant journey. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE has issued new Umrah guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens who embark on this journey. In this article, we will provide a detailed and comprehensive guide to UAE Umrah guidelines for citizens, covering all aspects from travel restrictions, to health and safety protocols, and everything in between.
Travel Restrictions: The UAE has imposed certain travel restrictions for those planning to undertake Umrah. Citizens must first obtain a permit from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), which includes submitting a negative PCR test result and proof of vaccination. The permit must be obtained at least 72 hours before departure. Additionally, those returning to the UAE must adhere to quarantine guidelines set forth by the government.
Health and Safety Protocols: In addition to obtaining a permit, there are strict health and safety protocols that must be followed while undertaking Umrah. These include wearing a face mask at all times, maintaining social distancing, and regular sanitization of hands and surfaces. Pilgrims are also advised to avoid physical contact such as handshakes and hugging, and to refrain from sharing personal items.
Accommodation: The UAE has designated specific hotels for those undertaking Umrah, with strict protocols in place to ensure the safety of guests. These hotels provide isolation facilities in case of any positive cases, and regular sanitization of rooms and common areas. Pilgrims are required to stay in these designated hotels and are not allowed to visit any other places during their stay.
Transportation: Transportation is provided by the Saudi Arabian government for those undertaking Umrah, with strict protocols in place for the safety of passengers. These protocols include regular sanitization of vehicles, maintaining social distancing, and limiting the number of passengers in each vehicle.
Conclusion: In conclusion, undertaking Umrah during the COVID-19 pandemic requires strict adherence to guidelines set forth by the UAE government. Obtaining a permit, following health and safety protocols, staying in designated hotels, and using designated transportation are all essential components to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens. We hope that this comprehensive guide to UAE Umrah guidelines for citizens has provided valuable information for those planning to undertake this spiritual journey.
