New Hajj portal receives over 100,000 registrations
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Motawif, a full-service online portal enabling international pilgrims to register for the current Hajj season, is receiving great interest from pilgrims, said a statement.
The Motawif platform allows global pilgrims for the first time to register electronically for the Hajj season. To date, there have been over 100,000 interest registrations from 56 countries with particular interest from the United States, United Kingdom and France, it said.
Motawif was developed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goal to increase religious tourism. The online portal includes various packages, support services, a live-chat function, and a 24/7 call centre in three languages for pilgrims seeking to perform Hajj. Motawif also issues visas electronically, one of many ways it is simplifying and expediting the registration and application process.
Ahmed Boshnak, Chairman of Motawif, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to play a core role in making international pilgrims’ lives easier through the launch of Motawif platform by directly selecting their preferred preference of services online. In parallel, this platform will also allow for an array of cost-effective packages for their entire Hajj journey. The demand since our launch has been rapid and global, with applicants from 56 countries. It has been an honour to work alongside the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and we are excited about the next few days ahead as the full launch of the platform and allocations are decided.”
The launch of Motawif aligns with Saudi’s Vision 2030 and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah strategy to develop and promote the digital experience for pilgrims, simplifying the application process whilst providing competitive prices.
Notification of successful application and registration of Hajj will be done on June 15, said the statement. Pilgrims will then be able to select their preferred Hajj package and process payments.
The first flight is expected to arrive to Saudi Arabia on June 22, it said.
Pilgrims can register directly, browse the available packages, and submit their applications via www.motawif.com.sa
Dr Abdulfattah Mashat, the Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah, said: “In our role as sector regulator, the new portal comes within the framework of the ministry’s strategy to develop the digital experience for the pilgrims. These efforts aim to facilitate the procedures and provide transparency and competitive prices for pilgrims also.” - TradeArabia News Service
