Residents performing the Haj pilgrimage this year were urged to adhere to the instructions of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments and Awqaf.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said pilgrims should only use accredited Haj missions and obtain Haj entry passes in accordance with the regulations of Saudi authorities. A ministry spokesman said the warning was made to ensure the safety of UAE citizens abroad. Mohammad Al Raisi, ministry undersecretary, said the Saudi Ministry of Haj had allocated the UAE 4,982 pilgrims this year.
A limit was given to all Islamic countries, due to expansion works being carried out by the current government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Al Haram Mosque in Mecca.
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