UAE flies 100 Covid-19 frontline heroes to Makkah to perform Hajj

Gesture made in recognition of medics who led nation's response to the global health crisis

Worshippers and pilgrims gather in Makkah in preparation for Hajj. AFP

Read the latest updates on the Hajj pilgrimage here

The UAE has flown 100 healthcare workers crucial to the country's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic to Saudi Arabia to take part in Hajj.

The gesture was made in an effort to honour those who worked tirelessly on the front lines in the nation's hospitals and clinics to respond to the unfolding public health crisis, which swept across the globe.

The trip was carried out under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, the humanitarian arm of the government, state news agency Wam reported on Saturday.

The delegation from the Frontline Heroes Office left Abu Dhabi International Airport for Makkah on Saturday.

The charitable initiative was overseen by the office and ERC in collaboration with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments.

Pilgrims pray upon their arrival in Mina, near Islam's holy city of Makkah. AFP

A view of Mina, 'the city of tents', south-east of Makkah. AFP

Pilgrims walk round the Kaaba, the sacred cube-shaped building at the centre of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, as they arrive to perform the Hajj. Reuters

Hajj pilgrims gather on the Mount of Mercy on the plain of Arafat, outside the holy city of Makkah. Reuters

A member of security staff sprays water to help a pilgrim stay cool in Mina, as temperatures passed 40°C. AFP

Pilgrims walking through the Grand Mosque. Photo: Hajj Ministry

Pilgrims in front of the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque. AP

Pilgrims walk around the Kaaba, the sacred cube-shaped building at the centre of the Grand Mosque. AP

Nigerian pilgrims outside the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AP

Sudanese pilgrim Um Safaa, who came from Port Sudan for the Hajj, outside the Grand Mosque. AP

Afghan Hajj pilgrims wait outside the Grand Mosque, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. AP

A pigeon flies by as Iranian pilgrims pose for a selfie outside the Grand Mosque. AP

A woman visits Mount Al Noor, where Muslims believe Prophet Mohammed received the first words of the Quran in the Hira cave, in Makkah. Reuters

Worshippers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque. Reuters

Muslim worshippers and pilgrims gather around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, in the holy city of Makkah, as they arrive for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. AFP

A worshipper uses his phone to film the crowd of pilgrims around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque. AFP

The annual pilgrimage takes place during Dhu Al Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. AFP

Muslim pilgrims circumambulate anti-clockwise around the Kaaba. Seven complete circuits constitute Tawaf, one of the principal rites of Hajj. AP

A general view of the Grand Mosque is seen from the Clock Tower during the Hajj pilgrimage in the Muslim holy city of Makkah. AP

The Kiswa, the cloth used to cover the Kaaba, and the Kaaba's gold doors underneath. The Kiswa is draped every year on the ninth day of Dhu Al Hijjah. AFP

Pilgrims perform prayers at the Grand Mosque. AFP

Muslims pray around the Kaaba. AFP

A Muslim worshipper touches the Kaaba. AFP

Prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AFP

A pilgrim performs prayers. AFP

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah officials have asked people to take precautions due to the heat. AFP

The ministry will guide pilgrims on the etiquette and rituals of Hajj as part of the 'Proclaim to the People' initiative. AFP

"In recognition of their efforts in defending society, the Hajj mission comprises 100 heroes who worked on the front lines in the health sector during the Covid-19 outbreak," Wam reported.

The Frontline Heroes Office was established in July 2020, at a time when hundreds of Covid-19 infections were being recorded each day.

The Frontline Heroes Office aims to raise awareness of the key role played by frontline workers during crises and emergencies, while also looking after their needs, addressing their priorities and drawing up strategies to support them.

In May 2020, President Sheikh Mohamed, then serving as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, heaped praise on medics for leading the country's response to the coronavirus.

“God bless you all. I would like to thank everyone in this [health] sector in person but please send them all my regards,” he said.

"We are proud in front of the entire world of how we responded to this challenge. Today you are the UAE’s source of pride.”

In September 2021, The National reported that more than 1,800 children of frontline healthcare workers had received scholarships under the Hayyakum grant scheme, which gives them access to high quality education in public schools across the UAE.

The initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Frontline Heroes Office, sought to reduce the financial burden on families.

Up to two million pilgrims from across the world are travelling to Makkah and Madinah for the annual pilgrimage, which begins on Monday.

All Muslims able to do so are required to make the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in their lifetime. Hajj and the other four pillars of Islam form a foundation of life for Muslims.

The annual pilgrimage to the holiest city in Islam takes place during Dhu Al Hijja, the last month of the Islamic calendar.

The ritual literally translates as “to attend a journey”, and denotes both the outward act of physically travelling and the inward act of a person's contemplation of their faith.