A pioneering national initiative led by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has enabled over 520 pilgrims with disabilities to perform Hajj rituals with dignity and ease.
The initiative, now in its fifth consecutive year, provides tailored services, including accessible transportation, specialized accommodation, and 24-hour escort support.
The National Hajj Initiative for Persons with Disabilities aims to ensure that pilgrims with disabilities can participate fully in the Hajj pilgrimage.
The program has been expanded to all 13 regions of the Kingdom and welcomes men and women with various types of disabilities.
The initiative offers a range of services, including:
– Accessible transportation
– Specialized accommodation
– 24-hour escort support
– Streamlined travel itinerary
– Medical and food support
Pilgrims with disabilities have praised the initiative, citing the exceptional organization and support provided. Abdullah Saif Al-Qahtani, a pilgrim with a mobility disability, said that his Hajj journey was smoother than he could have imagined.
According to the General Authority for Statistics’ Disability Statistics Publication 2023, an estimated 1.8% of Saudi Arabia’s population lives with some form of disability.
The initiative has served nearly 2,000 beneficiaries of both genders since its inception.
The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plan prioritizes inclusivity and a higher quality of life for all citizens and residents.
The initiative aligns with this vision, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to equitable participation in all aspects of life.
“We are proud to host pilgrims with various types of disabilities… We have mobilized all necessary resources to support them,” Abdullah Abdulmohsin Al-Harbi, Head of Social Responsibility and Volunteering Department, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” Abdulaziz Al-Enezi, Pilgrim with a mobility disability.
The National Hajj Initiative for Persons with Disabilities has made a profound impact on pilgrims, enabling them to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam with dignity and ease. The initiative serves as a model for inclusive services and support for pilgrims with disabilities.