The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has called on UAE-based pilgrims to begin their health preparations well before the start of the 2026 Hajj season, emphasizing vaccinations, medical consultations, and adherence to preventive protocols.
Central to the ministry’s guidance is the meningococcal vaccine, which MoHAP has listed as mandatory prior to departure. Additional recommended vaccines are also being encouraged in accordance with current medical guidelines, with health authorities urging pilgrims to visit healthcare centers early enough to complete all required check-ups and confirm their physical readiness for the pilgrimage.
Pilgrims with chronic conditions have been given specific instructions to travel with adequate medication supplies, carry relevant medical documentation, and continue their prescribed treatment regimens without interruption throughout the journey. Older adults and pregnant women are among those specifically advised to seek medical clearance in advance.
Health Minister Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh framed the campaign within a broader national strategy. “The UAE adopts a proactive vision to build an advanced preventive healthcare model that goes beyond service delivery to strengthening readiness and raising awareness to support informed health decisions,” he said.
Al Sayegh also pointed to interagency coordination as a key factor in the initiative’s effectiveness, saying that collaboration between national entities will enhance response efficiency and ensure the integration of roles to help provide the best possible health environment for UAE pilgrims, and that these efforts further reinforce the UAE’s position in developing impactful and forward-looking health programs based on early planning and sustainable preparedness.
On the ground during Hajj, pilgrims are being advised to wear masks in crowded spaces, maintain personal hygiene, stay well-hydrated, and limit direct sun exposure to guard against heat exhaustion — conditions that are common during the physically demanding rituals.
MoHAP said health guidance will be distributed continuously through official websites, smart applications, digital platforms, and SMS throughout the season.
