Cairo: Minister of Social Solidarity and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the National Foundation for Facilitating Hajj, Maya Morsi, announced that the Foundation has completed all preparations for the departure of pilgrims to the holy sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 1447 AH (2026 CE) Hajj season. The first groups of NGO pilgrims are scheduled to depart for Medina on Friday, May 8. Approximately 840 pilgrims, representing the governorates of Giza, Gharbia, Damietta, Qalyubia, and Suez, will travel to Medina to begin their Hajj rituals.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the head of the official NGO Hajj delegation affirmed that Dr. Maya Morsi is closely monitoring every detail of this year's mission. She has directed that any challenges or difficulties facing pilgrims be addressed promptly to ensure they can perform the rituals with ease and comfort. Supervisors are currently holding intensive meetings with pilgrims to educate them on the religious aspects of the Hajj, as well as the safety instructions and guidelines issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The procedures for transporting pilgrims through Egyptian airports to Medina and Jeddah have been finalized according to a specific timetable. Flights will begin on May 8 and conclude on May 21, the date the final group of NGO pilgrims is set to arrive in the Holy Land. The Permanent Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Head of the Official NGO Hajj Mission indicated that there is continuous coordination with Saudi authorities to ensure all services are ready to receive pilgrims upon their arrival in Mecca and Medina. He emphasized that three distinct programs have been organized for NGO pilgrims this season, all of which are fully prepared.