The United Arab Emirates has opened registration for the 2027 Hajj season, giving citizens a short window to submit their applications through the country's official Islamic affairs authority. According to reports carried by Gulf News and Khaleej Times, the registration period ran from September 14 to September 25, 2026, with approved names due to be announced on October 9.

The move places the UAE among a growing list of countries that opened Hajj 2027 registration in September, as Saudi Arabia and national authorities begin early preparations for the pilgrimage well ahead of the season itself.

How Registration Works

The process is managed by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, known as Awqaf. Applicants submit their requests through the Awqaf smart application and the authority's official website, keeping the process fully digital.

According to the reports, registration for this cycle is open to UAE citizens, and it was not confirmed whether expatriate residents are included through the same route. Selection is carried out through an automated screening system under Cabinet Resolution No. 32 of 2018 and the approved criteria, rather than on a simple first-come, first-served basis.

Applicants whose names are approved are due to be notified on October 9, 2026. The authority has emphasised that registering interest does not guarantee a place, and that approval, payment, visa issuance and final package outcomes remain subject to the official process.

Caution Urged on Unconfirmed Details

Several important details had not been confirmed at the time of the announcement. According to the reporting, the sources did not verify a general resident registration route, the exact 2027 seat allocation or quota, package pricing, the full list of required documents, health screening or passport validity rules, or age and mahram requirements.

That uncertainty is a reminder that early registration is only the first step. Pilgrims are advised to treat the opening of registration as a starting point and to wait for official confirmation of costs, documents and health rules before making firm travel plans.

The reliance on an automated selection system also means that submitting an application does not, by itself, secure a seat. Approved applicants will still need to complete payment and meet all conditions set by the authority and by Saudi Arabia.

Part of a Regional Push

The UAE's timing fits a wider regional pattern. Neighbouring Oman set its own Hajj 2027 registration to open on September 28, while several countries observed a September 26 deadline tied to the Saudi Hajj calendar. Saudi Arabia has also made medical clearance a condition for Hajj visas this season, a rule that national authorities across the Gulf are now reflecting in their own procedures.

Opening registration nearly a year in advance gives authorities more time to screen applicants, arrange packages and coordinate with Saudi systems such as the Nusuk platform. It also gives pilgrims more time to prepare financially and physically for the journey.

Practical Tips for Applicants

For UAE citizens who applied in this cycle, the immediate priority is to watch for the results announcement. Check the Awqaf app and website around October 9 for confirmation of approved names.

  • Do not assume approval: Registration does not guarantee a place; wait for official confirmation before booking anything.
  • Keep documents current: Ensure passports and personal details are valid and up to date, since document rules may be confirmed later.
  • Follow official channels: Rely on Awqaf and recognised national authorities for cost, health and visa details rather than informal sources.
  • Prepare for health rules: With medical clearance now central to Hajj visas, applicants should be ready for possible screening requirements.

As with other countries this season, the UAE process underlines a shift toward early, digital and closely screened Hajj registration. Applicants are urged to verify every detail through official sources before committing funds.