The Hajj season 2026 is approaching, and the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat is reminding all pilgrims from the UAE about the importance of following health guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy journey.
For those planning to perform Hajj in 2026, there are a few important health requirements and vaccinations to be aware of. These rules are part of a coordinated effort between UAE authorities and those in Saudi Arabia to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Here are the key health requirements for UAE pilgrims willing to perform Hajj in 2026:
1. Pilgrims must submit a declaration confirming they are free from any diseases that would prevent them from performing the rituals. The list of conditions that would disqualify someone from performing the rituals includes:
- organ failure
- advanced dementia
- neurological or psychological disorders affecting cognition
- active infectious diseases like pulmonary tuberculosis, hemorrhagic fevers, or cancers undergoing chemotherapy
- for women: pregnancy in the last trimester
2. Pilgrims must receive the meningococcal vaccine and seasonal influenza vaccine before the trip.
3. It is also recommended that pilgrims receive vaccinations for other infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, depending on their health condition.
The UAE authorities will work closely with national health bodies to review the medical conditions of pilgrims to ensure they meet the health requirements. Around 72,000 applications have been received for the Hajj season 2026, but only 6,228 pilgrims from the UAE will be accepted. If your application is approved, you will be contacted via your registered phone number.
For those planning ahead, Hajj calendar until 2050 is already available, showing how the timing of Hajj will shift. In the next 25 years, Hajj will gradually move away from summertime.
Stay tuned for more updates on Hajj season, important travel info, and health tips for pilgrims!
