A top official said that Dubai Airport has created a special passageway for Haj pilgrims in preparation for the increased travel demand leading up to the Eid Al Adha holiday and summer vacation.
Dubai Airport Implements Special Measures to Ease Travel for Haj Pilgrims
In anticipation of the heightened travel activity preceding the Eid Al Adha break and summer vacation, Dubai Airport has introduced a dedicated corridor for Haj pilgrims, as disclosed by a senior official. This initiative aims to streamline the departure process for pilgrims, ensuring they are not affected by the usual rush experienced at the airport during peak travel periods.
Exclusive Corridor for Pilgrim
According to Mohammad Al Marzouqi, who oversees the Haj Committee at Dubai Airports, a private corridor has been established to facilitate the journey of Haj pilgrims from the moment they enter the airport premises until they reach their departure gates. This corridor features exclusive check-in counters and passport control facilities, along with designated departure gates, tailored to the specific needs of pilgrims embarking on the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
In response to requests from airlines operating Haj flights, special departure gates were allocated approximately two months ago. Each airline has been assigned a dedicated terminal and a specific area within the terminal. For instance, passengers traveling with certain airlines will depart from Terminal 3, area 3, while others will board their flights from Terminal 1, with Saudi Airlines utilizing area 6 and Flynas occupying area 4.
To accommodate pilgrims from various countries, Saudi Arabia imposes quotas, with over 6,200 Haj pilgrims set to depart from the UAE, including 4,600 from Dubai International Airport (DXB). Expatriate pilgrims must adhere to the quotas and procedures established by their respective countries of origin, with more than 100,000 expatriates expected to transit through DXB during this period.
The Haj pilgrimage, scheduled to commence on June 14, coincides with a public holiday in the UAE from June 15 to 18, marking Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha, Islam's holiest day. This extended weekend is expected to witness a surge in travel as residents take advantage of the opportunity for a brief vacation.
Al Marzouqi emphasized the importance of pilgrims arriving at the airport at least four hours prior to their scheduled departure time to undergo necessary health screenings, including blood pressure and sugar testing. Health experts will be on hand to provide guidance on health-related matters during the pilgrimage, while umbrellas and water bottles will be distributed to pilgrims for their comfort and well-being.
Pilgrims are reminded to carry essential documents, including passports, Haj permits, and vaccination cards, and to verify their travel details beforehand. Al Marzouqi also advised pilgrims to stay hydrated, particularly given the anticipated high temperatures in Saudi Arabia, where pilgrims are expected to experience average highs of 44°C during the Haj pilgrimage.