Hajj Pilgrimage Selections
Over 6,000 pilgrims from the UAE have been selected for this year’s Hajj. Among them is an 87-year-old grandmother, highlighting the inclusive nature of the selection process.
Over 6,000 pilgrims from the United Arab Emirates have been selected to perform Hajj this year, marking a significant moment of spiritual devotion for thousands of residents. The announcement comes after a meticulous selection process that aimed to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and representation from across the country. One particularly heartwarming story among the selected pilgrims is that of an 87-year-old grandmother whose inclusion symbolizes the spirit of compassion and accessibility embedded within this year’s arrangements.
The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a sacred journey that every Muslim is required to undertake at least once in their lifetime, provided they are physically and financially able. Each year, millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Makkah to perform the rites of Hajj, which includes a series of deeply symbolic acts rooted in the traditions of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). The UAE, with its diverse and devout Muslim population, has long placed great emphasis on facilitating this religious duty for its residents.
This year’s selection process was guided by principles of equity and social priority. While many applicants were eager for the chance to embark on this journey, the authorities worked to ensure that individuals who had never performed Hajj before were given precedence, especially those from modest backgrounds, the elderly, and those with compelling humanitarian circumstances. The presence of an 87-year-old woman among the selected pilgrims has touched hearts across the country, drawing admiration for her enduring faith and resilience. Her selection is seen as a powerful testament to the UAE’s commitment to recognizing and honoring the devotion of senior citizens.
In recent years, the UAE has continually improved its Hajj programs, offering not just logistical support but also spiritual guidance, health care, and financial assistance to those selected. Pilgrims are provided with comprehensive training sessions that cover the rituals, the significance of each step of the pilgrimage, and tips for staying healthy and safe in the often intense conditions of the Saudi summer. For older pilgrims or those with health challenges, medical screenings and personalized support plans are put in place to ensure a smooth and secure journey.
The inclusive approach of this year’s selection also reflects the UAE’s broader vision of social welfare and religious tolerance. By enabling people from all walks of life—including the elderly, the less privileged, and the differently-abled—to undertake Hajj, the country reaffirms its role as a nation that cherishes both its Islamic values and its commitment to compassion and human dignity.
The selected group of over 6,000 pilgrims will travel under the supervision of a dedicated UAE Hajj mission team, which includes religious scholars, doctors, logistics experts, and support staff. The mission’s role is to ensure that the pilgrims can focus entirely on their spiritual experience without being burdened by administrative or health concerns. From transportation to accommodation, meals, and emergency medical services, every aspect is meticulously planned in collaboration with Saudi authorities to ensure seamless coordination.
The anticipation surrounding this year’s pilgrimage is particularly meaningful for many, as the full-scale resumption of Hajj following years of COVID-19 restrictions has reignited the spiritual yearning among Muslims worldwide. For some, like the elderly grandmother who is set to make the journey, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that has come after years—sometimes decades—of waiting, praying, and hoping.
Her story, shared across community circles and social media platforms, has already become an emblem of hope and perseverance. In a brief statement, her family expressed profound gratitude for the selection and described how she had long dreamed of seeing the Kaaba in person. The family has rallied around her, assisting with preparations and offering their prayers for her safe journey. Many UAE residents have taken her story as an inspiration, especially those who may have delayed their pilgrimage due to personal or financial reasons.
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