The Ministry of Hajj - Designations and Definitions

The Ministry:

The Ministry of Hajj is the official government authority that is responsible for matters pertaining to Hajj (represented by its headquarters in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Jeddah, Riyadh, the Holy Sites, the entry outlets and its various committees). It is the first authority to refer to by pilgrims ever since they arrive in the Holy Land and up to their departure there from. It is also the responsible authority to whom the Hajj missions or those who represent the pilgrims refer and address. It is keen on looking after them in all matters to enable them to perform their rites with ease and facility.

The National Establishments for Hajj Affairs:

These are private non-governmental establishments that comprise: The National Tawafa Establishments, the National Guides Establishment and of Unified Zamzamis Office (those in charge of providing zamzam water to pilgrims).

The National Tawafa Establishments in Makkah Al-Mukarramah:

These are establishments that specialize in serving pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There are six of them. They look after the affairs of the pilgrims of whom they are in charge, according to the geographical classification of nationalities, and provide them with all the necessary services in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and the Holy Sites. They monitor the needs and comfort of pilgrims and facilitate their formalities as of their arrival in the Holy Land and up to their departure to their respective countries.

The National Guides Establishment In Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah:

It is an establishment that specializes in serving the pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom, who wish to visit the Prophet's Mosque. It receives them and provides them with all the necessary services in Al-Madinah and sees to it that the pilgrims are comfortable and facilitates their formalities as of their arrival and up to their departure.

The Unified Zamzamis Office in Makkah Al-Mukarramah:

The local establishment that is responsible for offering zamzam water to pilgrims and to visitors of the Prophet's Mosque at the entry outlets, the orientation centers and the pilgrims' residences in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, the Holy Sites, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah and the centers of grouping, upon departure.

The Unified Agents Office In Jeddah:

The local establishment that receives pilgrims at the designated entry outlets receives their passports and collects the checks covering the service fees and transport fees. It is considered a representative of the National Establishments for Hajj Affairs, the General Cars Syndicate, the Transport Companies and the agent thereof. The Office is responsible for transporting pilgrims to Makkah Al-Mukarramah or to Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. It is also responsible for the repatriation of pilgrims to their respective countries in coordination with the Passport Department General and Airline companies.

The General Cars Syndicate:

It is the party that supervises the companies that are accredited for the transportation of pilgrims. It is the establishment that acts as a coordinator between the Unified Agents Office, the Tawafa and Guides Establishments in respect of the transportation of pilgrims. The syndicate is responsible for securing the proper means of transport for pilgrims who have paid the transportation fees.

The Transport Companies

They are the officially accredited companies under the umbrella of the General Cars Syndicate for transporting pilgrims between the Hajj cities and the Holy Sites (Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah). These companies are keen on preparing the means of transport that pertain to the transportation of pilgrims who have paid the transportation fees, and to equip them with all that is necessary.