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At 87 years old, Umm Hana stood near the display booths at the Emirates Pilgrims Forum, her eyes shimmering with emotion. The Emirati grandmother from Abu Dhabi is among the 6,228 pilgrims selected from the UAE to , and for her, this long-awaited moment is nothing short of divine intervention.

For decades, something had always come in the way — family responsibilities, health issues, and unexpected life events. “Every time I wanted to , something happened to prevent it,” she recalled. “But this time was different. This time, it was God calling.” She added, “I appreciate this country that allowed me to do this,” she said.

Umm Hana was among one of those who attended the Emirates Pilgrims Forum, held from May 20 to 22 at the Abu Dhabi Energy Hub in Al Bateen, organised by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat. The forum aims to ensure a spiritually rich and logistically smooth by offering guidance, support, and state-of-the-art services to the country’s pilgrims.

Attending the forum, Umm Hana admitted she had once feared her age would prevent her from ever completing this pillar of Islam. “As a senior, I was worried I wouldn’t have the energy,” she said. “But everything they’ve done for us, the way they’ve cared for us, it has been seamless and smooth. Everyone here has been welcoming, and it’s made me feel ready.”

Umm Hana is part of the official UAE delegation, which was granted 6,228 by Saudi authorities for the 1446 AH/2025 AD season. From young adults to elderly citizens, the group represents a cross-section of Emirati society, all united by a shared spiritual longing.

Hajj for many is a dream that came early. Twenty-three-year-old Sultan Abdullah, a Sharjah resident, was also attending the forum, preparing for his first pilgrimage. “It’s a beautiful feeling,” he said. “I was a bit anxious before today, but coming here, getting all the lectures, and being prepped in every way helped me a lot mentally. I can’t wait to start this journey.”

Sultan said the forum offered him deeper insight into the true meaning of Hajj. “We sometimes take our faith for granted,” he reflected. “But this experience has reminded me that Hajj isn’t just a trip, it’s a transformation from the inside out.”

Sultan Abdullah

The forum focuses on providing a comprehensive and enriching Hajj experience by raising pilgrims’ awareness of rituals, enhancing both health and organisational services, and fostering collaboration through institutional partnerships. It also aims to streamline the entire process — from obtaining permits to managing travel logistics — while ensuring pilgrims are spiritually and psychologically prepared for the journey.

Another pilgrim, Mariam Al Suwaidi from Al Ain, said performing Hajj has been her lifelong dream. “For years, I imagined what it would feel like to walk in the footsteps of the Prophet (PBUH), to stand on Arafat, to throw the pebbles. It always felt far away,” she said. “Now that I’m finally preparing for it, it feels like every prayer I’ve made has been answered.”

“The Emirates Pilgrims Forum brings us together to live faith, knowledge, and preparation with one spirit,” said a representative from the authority.

Pilgrims attending the forum also received the 'UAE Hajj Bag', which includes a specially designed compact Quran for ease of use during rituals. The gift, funded by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed, reflects the country’s dedication to the spiritual wellbeing of its citizens.

Another highlight of the event was the 'Interactive Digital Hajj Package', a centralised digital platform that guides Emirati pilgrims through all five stages of their journey, from registration to their return home. The platform enables pilgrims to register using their digital ID, select their Hajj campaign, and complete necessary health checks and educational workshops before travel.

It also facilitates the signing of official contracts electronically and the issuance of Hajj permits. During the pilgrimage, it provides real-time updates on travel, accommodation, transportation, and religious programmes. Once the journey is complete, pilgrims receive a congratulatory message along with access to a feedback survey and the opportunity to contribute to charitable endowment projects, fostering a continued spirit of giving and community.

Scholars from the Emirates Fatwa Council were present at the forum to answer pilgrims’ questions and offer religious guidance.

In October, over 60,000 citizens had registered for the 2025 Hajj season, underscoring the deep connection Emiratis feel toward this sacred duty.