Awqaf minister announces preparations for Hajj season

AMMAN — The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs on Wednesday held a press conference detailing the arrangements for this year's Hajj season, which falls under the current year 1444 AH. 

Awqaf Minister Mohammad Khalaileh said that as part of the preparation process, a delegation from the ministry travelled to Saudi Arabia to sign a memorandum of understanding regarding the arrangements for the Jordanian Hajj mission. 

The memorandum specifies that Jordan’s quota is set at 8,000 pilgrims, in addition to 4,500 Palestinian Arabs, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

The Minister also stated that around 30,000 citizens have registered on the Hajj and Umrah Department's website, and those born before June 30, 1950, were selected based on the oldest age criterion. 

The department will conduct a lottery to choose 1,000 citizens born between July 1, 1950, and December 31, 1960, who have registered for the Hajj. 

Khalaileh explained that the cost of the pilgrimage for the second category ranges between JD2,828 and JD3,008 by regular bus, while via air travel, the cost ranges between JD2,859 and JD3,039, and the price of the plane ticket is added to this amount. 

He added that the prices of the first category (VIP) range between JD5,000-JD9,000, depending on the hotel, additional services provided and the number of beds in each room.