Bahraini Hajj Campaigns Plan 20% Price Hike for 2026 Season

Several Bahraini Hajj campaigns have confirmed to Al-Ayam their intention to increase the prices of their packages for the upcoming 1447H (2026) season by up to 20%. The move comes after many campaigns faced financial losses last year due to rising operational costs and unexpected expenses shortly before the season began.

Campaign organizers, who requested to remain anonymous, explained that most of the new costs are linked to services in the Arafat and Mina areas. In particular, new requirements for pilgrims’ tents have led to higher preparation costs. The expected price increase for packages is between 200 and 250 Bahraini dinars, roughly 15–20%, with most campaigns choosing this approach to avoid future losses.

Sources also revealed that a meeting between Hajj campaigns and the Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah Affairs at the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs is expected within the next two weeks to discuss arrangements for the new season.

According to the Supreme Committee, 67 applications have been received from Bahraini Hajj campaigns wishing to operate during the next season, following the closure of submissions on August 1. Dr. Ali Amin Al-Rais, Director of the Religious Affairs Department at the Ministry and Assistant Deputy Head of Bahrain’s Hajj Mission, explained that the ministry will soon issue guidelines for announcing campaign packages, services, and prices to ensure accurate and effective evaluations.

Al-Rais emphasized that campaigns will only be allowed to advertise their packages and prices after receiving official approval and having their profiles certified. Individual promotional exhibitions for each campaign are permitted, provided they align with the approved profile published on the official website.

The new guidelines will also include additional rules to enhance transparency, including prohibiting free Hajj offers or competitions promising Hajj trips. Al-Rais stressed that the goal is to improve credibility and provide clear information to pilgrims before signing contracts.