Read the latest updates on the Hajj pilgrimage here
Prince Khalid Al Faisal, governor of the Makkah region and president of the Central Hajj Committee, confirmed on Friday that so far no Covid-19 infections had been detected among pilgrims on the first day of Hajj.
In Mina, Prince Khalid hailed Saudi Arabia’s Hajj preparations after two years of staging a limited capacity Hajj because of the pandemic.
“The kingdom did not pause Hajj over the past two years despite the Covid-19 pandemic, but was held in a limited capacity. This year we welcomed one million pilgrims and the kingdom is honoured to serve pilgrims anytime and anywhere,” Prince Khalid said.
He confirmed that 19 individuals responsible for breaches of Hajj restrictions by transporting unauthorised people were arrested and that 79 individuals who ran fake Hajj campaigns were also detained.
Prince Khalid said 150,000 security men and workers in the field are stationed to serve Hajj pilgrims this year.
More than 2,500 people who broke border security restrictions were also arrested in the days leading up to Hajj. They were suspected of trying to enter the holy sites to perform the pilgrimage without a permit.
Huge crowds of robed Muslim pilgrims prayed on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat on Friday, the climax of the biggest Hajj pilgrimage since the pandemic forced drastic cuts in numbers two years in a row.
The Day of Arafat is the second day of Hajj, when believers make their way to the mountain where the Prophet Mohammed gave his last sermon.
After the sermon, Hajj pilgrims will spend the afternoon praying on the mountain. They will then head to Muzdalifah after sunset, where they will pick up pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual on Saturday.
Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
Company profile
Name: The Concept
Founders: Yadhushan Mahendran, Maria Sobh and Muhammad Rijal
Based: Abu Dhabi
Founded: 2017
Number of employees: 7
Sector: Aviation and space industry
Funding: $250,000
Future plans: Looking to raise $1 million investment to boost expansion and develop new products
