The United Arab Emirates has opened registration for citizens seeking to perform Hajj during the 1448 AH/2027 season, with applications accepted online from September 14 to 25. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments confirmed the window, marking one of the earliest national steps toward next year's pilgrimage.
Registration is open specifically to UAE citizens who have not previously performed Hajj, the authority said. Applications are submitted through the authority's smart application and official website, and prospective pilgrims have been given a 12-day window to complete the process before the deadline.
How the process works
According to the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, the selection of pilgrims will be carried out through an automated system after the registration period closes on September 25. Priority is determined electronically rather than on a first-come basis, meaning applicants do not need to rush to register in the opening hours.
The authority advised all applicants to make sure they complete the registration process before the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered once the window closes, and the automated draw will select only from those who registered within the specified period. Restricting the current round to citizens who have not performed Hajj before reflects a common approach across Muslim-majority countries, where limited quotas are prioritised for first-time pilgrims.
The move reflects a broader regional pattern of opening Hajj arrangements far ahead of the season itself. Several countries have already begun their own preparations, setting quotas, fares and registration timelines for pilgrims travelling in 2027. Early registration gives authorities time to complete medical screening, payments and travel logistics before the pilgrimage.
Part of a wider 2027 timeline
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has begun preparatory meetings with Hajj affairs offices from more than 75 countries as part of early planning for the 2027 season. The meetings review the operational plans of national Hajj offices and cover key instructions and regulations governing Hajj operations.
The Kingdom has also outlined firm deadlines that shape when national bodies and pilgrims must complete arrangements, including cut-off dates for fees, registration and visa issuance ahead of the pilgrimage. In addition, Saudi authorities have introduced a mandatory medical fitness requirement for Hajj 2027, meaning pilgrims in many countries must pass health checks before a visa can be processed. National bodies such as the UAE authority typically fold these Saudi requirements into their own registration and selection steps.
For UAE residents who are not citizens, Hajj is usually arranged through licensed operators rather than the citizen registration channel. Those pilgrims should follow announcements from approved Hajj service providers and the Saudi Nusuk platform, which handles bookings for many international pilgrims.
The UAE has steadily digitised its Hajj arrangements in recent years, moving registration, selection and payments onto official apps and portals. Handling the process electronically allows the authority to manage limited quotas fairly and to communicate quickly with applicants once the automated draw is complete.
Practical tips for applicants
Emirati citizens planning to apply should confirm their eligibility first, as the current window is reserved for those who have not performed Hajj before. Applicants are encouraged to prepare a valid Emirates ID and updated personal details before starting, and to register through the authority's official smart app or website only.
Because selection is automated, registering early offers no advantage in the draw, but completing the application well before September 25 avoids last-minute technical problems. Applicants should keep a record of their submission confirmation and monitor official channels for results and any follow-up requirements, including medical checks and payment deadlines that usually follow selection. Pilgrims should be wary of unofficial pages or agents promising guaranteed places, and rely only on government sources for updates.