By Abdul Rahman M. Baig
JEDDAH: Consul General of India, Shri Fahad Suri, along with Consul (Haj) Ms. Sadaf Choudhary, participated in the Khitamahu Misk ceremony organized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to mark the successful conclusion of the Haj 2026 season and recognize excellence in pilgrim services.
In a significant achievement, India received two prestigious Labbaykum Awards in the “Best Haj Coordination and Communication” category. The awards acknowledge the exceptional efforts undertaken to ensure smooth coordination, efficient facilitation, and comprehensive welfare services for Indian Haj pilgrims.
The recognition reflects the successful management of Haj arrangements for approximately 175,000 Indian pilgrims, contributing to a safe, comfortable, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience.
Indian authorities expressed their gratitude to the Saudi government, local service providers, and partner agencies for their invaluable cooperation and support, which played a key role in the successful conduct of Haj 2026.
Speaking to the media, Indian Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri expressed his sincere gratitude to the Saudi authorities, local service providers, and all partner agencies for their invaluable cooperation and support in ensuring a safe, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj pilgrimage for approximately 175,000 Indian pilgrims this year.
He stated that he was pleased to inform that the core Hajj phase had concluded successfully with the safe return of all Indian pilgrims from Mina on 13 Dhul Hijjah, corresponding to 30 May 2026. This milestone marks the completion of the most significant rites of the sacred Hajj journey.
The Consul General extended his heartfelt congratulations to all pilgrims on the successful completion of their Hajj and expressed his hope that they would return to India safely, enriched with the spiritual blessings and rewards of this sacred pilgrimage.
He further informed that the departure phase for Indian pilgrims commenced on 1 June 2026. He assured that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth, orderly, and comfortable return journey for the pilgrims. He also conveyed his best wishes for their safe arrival back to their homes and families across India.
The closing ceremony was also attended by Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Dr. Abdul Fattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.
Speaking at the annual closing ceremony organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Makkah, Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah announced a series of new initiatives aimed at further enhancing services for pilgrims in future Hajj seasons.
Among the key measures unveiled was the introduction of a comprehensive Hajj package that will integrate services at the holy sites, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, transportation, and catering facilities. The minister stated that transportation and catering services would become mandatory components of pilgrims’ packages throughout their stay, ensuring a more seamless and comfortable pilgrimage experience.
Dr. Al-Rabiah also invited pilgrims to share their views, experiences, and suggestions to help improve services in the coming years. He emphasized that pilgrims’ feedback remains an essential source of insight for the continuous development of the Hajj ecosystem and plays a vital role in raising service standards.
The minister reiterated this invitation through his official account on the X platform, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to listening to pilgrims and incorporating their recommendations into future planning and service enhancements.
He noted that the pilgrim experience remains at the heart of ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen the Hajj and Umrah system. Field observations, suggestions, and practical feedback, he said, contribute significantly to improving operational efficiency and service delivery at every stage of the pilgrimage journey.
Dr. Al-Rabiah further highlighted the significant expansion of digital services, smart applications, awareness campaigns, guidance programs, and transportation initiatives during the current Hajj season. These efforts, he said, are aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to elevate the quality of services provided to pilgrims and ensure a safer, smoother, and more comfortable pilgrimage experience.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues to advance the Hajj system year after year, drawing upon operational data, performance indicators, and pilgrim feedback to enhance service quality and effectively meet the needs of the growing number of pilgrims expected in future seasons.
About The Author
