Ministry urges Hajj contractors to cut costs

The Ministry of Economy officials in UAE met Hajj contractors and airline officials to discuss reduction in pilgrimage costs and increased flights and other services to help pilgrims.

A press statement issued on Tuesday said the Ministry urged Hajj contractor’s to find ways to reduce costs and expenses of pilgrims journeys. This matter will be discussed at the next meeting as there will be a clear picture in this regard by the contractors.

Headed by Dr. Hashim Al Nuaimi, Director of the Consumer Protection Department, and in cooperation with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, held the meeting at the Ministry's office in Dubai.

This step aims to coordinate efforts and explore best ways to enhance level of services provided to pilgrims.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Obaid Al Mazrui, Assistant Undersecretary for Islamic Affairs, head of the UAE pilgrimage, and Mr. Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, Deputy Head of UAE pilgrimage and representatives from national airlines and contractors of Pilgrims journeys.

The ministry will cooperate with General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments during the Hajj season to monitor prices and prevent any attempts to exploit pilgrims and the imposition of a surcharge on the cost of Hajj flights. In this context, the Ministry called all pilgrims to provide an urgent complaint to the Ministry of Economy in case of exploitation by contractors.

They discussed number of topics related to the development of services provided by UAE airports to receive pilgrims and to upgrade services at airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in cooperation and coordination with the Director of Saudi Airlines in Dubai.

All participants expressed their willingness to cooperate with the proposal of the Ministry of Economy and the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and agreed to appoint coordinators for all airlines in the UAE to coordinate with the airlines in Saudi Arabia to ensure seamless return of pilgrims to the UAE without any delay.

The Ministry of Economy suggested to the representatives of national airlines to increase number of flights during the Hajj season, in order to facilitate the transfer of pilgrims and avoid traffic congestion and overcrowding, where they welcomed this proposal and promised to transfer it to their higher management.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.