The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (GAIAE) announced new Hajj and Umrah regulations in the UAE on Monday to streamline the process and ensure the well-being of pilgrims from the UAE. The changes address organizing pilgrimage campaigns, licensing processes and penalties for violations by individuals, campaign organizers or associated offices.
Operators in the UAE cannot receive applications or requests for Haj or Umrah without prior approval from the GAIAE. Any such practice will be fined up to Dh50,000 for violating the law.
Operators have to obtain approval from the authorities before organising or advertising Haj or Umrah trips. In addition, it prohibits collecting or receiving donations for the pilgrimage without a license.
The amendments aim to better regulate pilgrim activities and Umrah rituals, ensuring compliance with existing laws under the Authority’s jurisdiction.