Hajj registration opens

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Registration for next season’s Hajj opened on the official platform, and more than 12,000 citizens filed preliminary applications within hours.

About 67 licensed campaigns are competing for the 1447 AH– 2026 season.

Initial applications run until 16 September, after which accepted applicants choose the campaign they wish to join.

The launch set off a rush of adverts across social media.

Operators pushed out short films, simple guides and offers on lodging, transport and hospitality.

New entrants have joined in, which has sharpened the contest for bookings.

Campaign owners say more than 25 operators may be unable to run trips this year given Bahrain’s quota of 4,625 pilgrims.

Some struggled last season to reach the minimum of 90 pilgrims needed to operate, which explains the early push to secure names.

Marketing has shifted towards clear, youth-minded messages that spell out services, prices and accommodation locations.

Some operators are offering instalment plans aimed at lower-income pilgrims.

Conditional cuts

Others trail steep conditional cuts, such as when four women register together with a permitted mahram, bringing the price down by more than 80 per cent.

Some rely on social-media personalities, while others prefer religious scholars to build trust.

Interest from citizens and residents is rising, with early reservations reported alongside last season’s facilitation measures and service levels cited by many campaigns.

Prices and schedules

With less than two weeks before applications close, prices and schedules are now public.

First departures are due on 14 May 2026 with returns on 31 May.

Announced prices vary by mode of travel and service tier, starting at about BD1,840 and rising above BD2,300.