Abu Dhabi: Hajj is one of the most significant religious obligations in Islam, bringing together millions of Muslims from across the world every year. Due to the sheer scale of this gathering, public health and disease prevention become matters of utmost importance. Hajj vaccinations are a vital component of the preventive measures that help protect pilgrims from infectious diseases and ensure their safety throughout the pilgrimage.
Speaking to Gulf News, Mohammed Khaloof, Director of the Al-Ridwan Hajj and Umrah Campaign, stated: “We are dealing with two categories of pilgrims – UAE nationals and residents of other nationalities living in the UAE. The allocated quota for Emirati citizens is 6,228 pilgrims (male and female). The Hajj process involves two preliminary stages: registration, which took place in late November and early December 2024 and was announced by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (GAIAE) through official digital platforms; and completion of registration, during which pilgrims select a licensed Hajj campaign under GAIAE’s supervision to proceed with their journey.
Stage three – travel preparation
Pilgrims must ensure the following documents are in order:
A passport valid for at least six months
Mohammed Khaloof thanked the official authorities for their efforts to serve the pilgrims and said:
“The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments assists pilgrims at every step to ensure all procedures are smoothly completed. Accompanying committees, such as the Fatwa Committee, Medical Committee, and the Supervision Committee for UAE Hajj Camps, also support the mission.”
Are Hajj vaccinations mandatory?
Vaccinations are highly essential for all pilgrims, as they help prevent numerous infectious diseases that can spread easily due to overcrowding. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Saudi Ministry of Health emphasise the importance of vaccinations to ensure a safe and epidemic-free Hajj season.
52 health centres
Highlighting the importance of vaccinations, the Emirates Health Services (EHS) has urged all intending pilgrims for the 1446H / 2025 season to receive the required and recommended vaccines in a timely manner and to adhere to preventive health measures that significantly reduce health risks during the pilgrimage.
EHS has designated 52 health centres across six emirates – from Dubai to Fujairah – to provide vaccinations for pilgrims this year. These centres will also conduct the necessary medical assessments to ensure individuals are fit for the pilgrimage, particularly those with chronic illnesses, to help ensure a safe and healthy journey.
Mandatory vaccinations
EHS has specified that the required vaccines for all pilgrims are:
Seasonal influenza vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine (for high-risk groups only), including:
Older adults (aged 56 and above)
Individuals with chronic heart disease
People with congenital or medically induced immune deficiencies (e.g. due to immunosuppressive therapy or cancer)
Patients with kidney failure
Individuals with chronic respiratory or neurological conditions
People with hereditary blood disorders such as sickle cell anaemia and Thalassemia
