{
  "id": 8659005,
  "title": "Haj registration opens today",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/haj-registration-opens-today",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-19T21:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf Times",
    "slug": "gulf-times",
    "url": "https://www.gulf-times.com/article/733698/qatar/haj-registration-opens-today"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Online registration for the Haj season of 1448 AH is now open through the official website hajj.gov.qa and will remain accessible until October 20. The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs’ Department of Haj and Umrah Affairs announced the early start to the registration process to ensure approved Haj operators have sufficient time to prepare and finalize contracts. This move is expected to enhance services for Qatari pilgrims traveling from Qatar.\n\nQatari citizens aged 18 and above are eligible to apply, accompanied by up to three companions in a single application. Other Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) citizens must be at least 45 years old, have resided in Qatar continuously for a minimum of 15 years without previously performing Haj, and may bring only one companion. It is essential to note that all companions must be listed in the initial application.\n\nTo apply, applicants must obtain a medical fitness certificate, as mandated by regulations approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Health centres across Qatar are equipped to conduct examinations, and results are electronically transmitted to the registration system. After the registration period concludes, electronic screening will commence. Successful applicants will receive text messages from late October onwards.\n\nApplicants can choose an approved Haj operator, complete necessary contracts, and make payments online via the portal. A QR10,000 payment is required upfront, which will be deducted from the overall pilgrimage cost. For any inquiries or feedback, the department has established a hotline number: 132.",
  "summary": "Online registration for the 1448 AH Haj season opens today through hajj.gov.qa and will remain open until October 20. The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs’ Department of Haj and Umrah Affair...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}