Tripoli, January 18, 2026 – The meeting held by the General Authority for Hajj and Umrah Affairs today with the Ministry of Health was dedicated to discussing health preparations for the upcoming Hajj season and reviewing the health requirements approved by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Authority stated that these efforts are part of its early preparations for the Hajj season of 1447 AH – 2026 AD and the joint coordination to ensure the safety and health of Libyan pilgrims, as well as raising the level of medical readiness to meet the requirements of this year’s Hajj season.
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Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, with a history dating back to the 7th century BC when it was founded by the Phoenicians. It later became a significant Roman city and a major port under various rulers, including the Ottomans and Italians, which is reflected in its historic medina and diverse architecture.
General Authority for Hajj and Umrah Affairs
The General Authority for Hajj and Umrah Affairs is a Saudi government body responsible for organizing and managing the annual Hajj pilgrimage and the year-round Umrah visits to Mecca and Medina. It was established to regulate the massive logistical operations, ensure pilgrim safety, and provide necessary services, evolving from earlier administrative committees formed in the Kingdom’s modern history.
Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health is a government department responsible for national public health policy, healthcare systems, and disease control. Its establishment and structure vary by country, but modern ministries often originated in the 19th or 20th centuries as governments formalized their role in responding to epidemics and managing sanitation.
Hajj
The Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which every adult Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime if physically and financially able. Its rites trace back to the prophets Abraham and Ishmael and were later re-established by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century.
Umrah
Umrah is a non-mandatory Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which can be undertaken at any time of the year. Unlike the Hajj, which has specific dates, Umrah involves a set of rituals including *ihram* (state of consecration), *tawaf* (circumambulation of the Kaaba), and *sa’i* (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah), tracing practices linked to the prophets Ibrahim (Abraham) and Ismail (Ishmael).
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a sovereign state on the Arabian Peninsula, founded in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, who unified the regions of Najd and Hejaz. It is the birthplace of Islam, home to the religion’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, and its history and governance are deeply intertwined with Islamic tradition.
