MOGADISHU – The Federal Government of Somalia has launched this year’s Hajj operations, sending the initial batch of 432 pilgrims from international airports in both Mogadishu and Hargeisa. Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali, Minister of Endowment and Religious Affairs, oversaw the first departure ceremony in the capital, marking the official start of the country’s most complex annual international logistical undertaking.
Speaking to departing pilgrims and aviation authorities, Minister Robow affirmed that the federal government has eliminated past administrative barriers that had historically disrupted the pilgrimage journey. He guaranteed that all transportation, lodging, and documentation processes are proceeding efficiently and in strict accordance with the federal timeline.
Enhancing protection for Somalis abroad, Deputy Minister of Health Mohamed Hassan Bullale announced significant improvements to the national Hajj framework. The administration has incorporated comprehensive medical services directly into the operational structure. A team of specialized medical professionals is accompanying the pilgrims to monitor their health conditions and deliver prompt medical attention throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia. The collaborative effort between the Ministry of Endowment and the Ministry of Health reflects a coordinated, people-focused strategy for organizing large-scale civilian missions.
Meanwhile, the Somali Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohamed Amin Sheikh Osman, conducted an official inspection of the Somali Hajj Affairs Office in Medina to evaluate services being provided to Somali pilgrims. The inspection focused on assessing the efficiency and organization of support services available to pilgrims in the holy city. The ambassador met with officials from the Hajj Affairs Office to review ongoing operations and coordination.
Ambassador Mohamed Amin praised the quality of services being provided, reaffirming the Somali government’s commitment to enhancing and facilitating support for citizens undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage. “I commend the outstanding services provided to Somali pilgrims. The Somali government remains dedicated to ensuring all their requirements are addressed and supported,” he stated.
Dr. Khadar Haji Dahir, Head of the Hajj Affairs Office at the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, thanked the ambassador for his visit, highlighting the significance of such oversight in improving service quality. Separately, the initial groups of Somali pilgrims who departed from Mogadishu and Hargeisa have reached Medina and commenced the preliminary rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Background: Somalia’s Hajj Preparations and Regional Collaboration
This year’s pilgrimage operations build on previous efforts to streamline the Hajj process for Somali travelers. The government has emphasized the need to implement recommendations from earlier Hajj assessments to ensure improved services and avoid recurring logistical challenges. Enhanced medical support and closer coordination with Saudi authorities remain central to these efforts.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre previously launched a national Hajj committee to oversee pilgrimage operations, signaling high-level political commitment to ensuring a smooth experience for Somali pilgrims. This year’s launch follows the successful conclusion of the 2025 Hajj season, during which Somalia received praise from Saudi authorities for its improved organization and care for pilgrims.
Regional collaboration has also played a role in facilitating pilgrim movement. Somalia and Ethiopia reached an agreement on flight arrangements to facilitate Hajj pilgrims, ensuring smoother transit and reducing bottlenecks at regional airports. Such bilateral coordination is critical for a country where air travel infrastructure remains under development.
The 2026 Hajj season is expected to see continued improvements in service delivery, with both the Ministry of Endowment and the Ministry of Health working in tandem to address the physical and spiritual needs of pilgrims. The Somali Hajj Affairs Office in Medina remains the primary point of contact for pilgrims requiring assistance, and officials have urged all travelers to register with the office upon arrival. More departure batches are scheduled in the coming days as the federal government processes the remaining registered pilgrims.
