The United Arab Emirates has set the dates for its 2027 Hajj registration, opening a short window from September 14 to September 25, 2026. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf) announced the schedule, urging citizens who wish to perform the pilgrimage next year to submit their applications early.

According to the authority, Emiratis can apply through the Awqaf smart application and the official website. The registration period is deliberately narrow, and the authority has stressed that early submission gives applicants the best chance of being processed smoothly.

How pilgrims will be selected

The UAE uses an automated screening system to choose its pilgrims rather than a first-come basis. Applicants are assessed against approved eligibility criteria and conditions in line with Cabinet Resolution No. 32 of 2018. The system reviews each application and ranks candidates according to the set requirements.

The Awqaf authority said the screening process is expected to conclude by October 9, 2026, when the names of approved pilgrims will be published. Successful applicants will then be contacted to complete the remaining procedures, including payments and documentation.

For context, the UAE approved 6,228 Emirati citizens to perform Hajj in 2026. Worldwide, more than 1.7 million pilgrims from 165 countries took part in the 2026 season, underlining the scale of coordination required each year.

Part of wider Hajj planning

The registration announcement fits into a broader push by UAE leadership to improve the pilgrimage experience. In July, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reviewed plans focused on strengthening services and ensuring smoother journeys for Emirati pilgrims from departure to return.

The Awqaf authority said its firm timetable is designed to allow early preparation for the new season, so that services can be arranged well ahead of travel both inside the UAE and at the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.

The dates also align with the Saudi Hajj calendar. Saudi authorities have set April 7, 2027 as the final departure deadline for Umrah pilgrims, clearing the holy sites before the Hajj season begins. Based on astronomical calculations, the Day of Arafah, the peak of Hajj, is expected to fall around mid-May 2027.

Demand for Hajj places consistently outstrips the quota allocated to each country, which is why the UAE relies on an automated draw rather than a queue. The system is intended to give every eligible applicant a fair chance while keeping the selection transparent and rule-based. Applicants who have not performed the obligatory pilgrimage before are typically given priority under the approved criteria.

Practical tips for applicants

Prospective pilgrims should prepare in advance to avoid missing the tight window. A few practical steps can help:

  • Register early: Do not wait until the final days. Submitting near the September 14 opening reduces the risk of last-minute technical issues.
  • Check your documents: Ensure your Emirates ID and passport are valid, with the passport carrying enough validity to cover travel in 2027.
  • Use official channels only: Apply solely through the Awqaf smart app or the official Awqaf website. Avoid unofficial intermediaries claiming to guarantee selection.
  • Watch for the October 9 results: Approved applicants must respond promptly to complete payment and paperwork once names are published.
  • Prepare spiritually and physically: Selection is only the first step. Pilgrims are encouraged to begin learning the rites and building fitness well ahead of the season.

Those who are not selected this year typically remain eligible to apply in future seasons. The authority has advised applicants to keep their contact details up to date so they can be reached without delay if their names appear on the approved list.