Saudi authorities ask Qatari Haj pilgrims to register online

Riyadh launches electronic link for Qataris, dismisses report of ban as false

Saudi Arabia said on Sunday it had launched an electronic link for Qatari nationals wishing to participate in this year’s Haj amid a diplomatic row between the two countries.

The Saudi Ministry of Haj said it has designated the link https://qh.haj.gov.sa for Qataris to register their information and choose the Haj-related services that suit their needs, the Saudi news agency SPA reported.

The move comes after nonresponse from the Qatari Ministry of Waqfs (religious affairs) to cooperate with the Saudi authorities to finalise arrangements for Qatari pilgrims this year, the Saudi ministry added.

In June last year, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic and transportation links with Qatar over its support for extremist groups.

Pledge to help pilgrims

The bloc has also designated as terrorists several militant individuals and groups associated with Doha.

Efforts by Kuwait to defuse the crisis have fizzled out.

The Saudi Ministry of Haj said on Sunday that the kingdom, home to Islam’s holiest sites, welcomes Muslim pilgrims from all over the world and pledges to offer all facilities and services to help them comfortably perform the rituals.

It has denied reports that Qataris will be banned from performing the Haj.

This year’s Haj is scheduled for late August. The Haj is one of Islam’s five pillars.