Hajj 2026: Dubai welcomes returning pilgrims with special passport stamp
Children join reception teams at terminals
DUBAI – Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) marked the return of Hajj pilgrims with a special welcome initiative at Dubai Airports, greeting travellers with a commemorative passport stamp carrying the message: “The UAE Welcomes the Return of Pilgrims”.
The gesture formed part of a broader effort to create a memorable and seamless arrival experience for pilgrims returning home after completing their spiritual journey.
The initiative reflected the UAE’s long-standing traditions of hospitality while reinforcing Dubai’s focus on people-centred services.
Warm welcome
Pilgrims arriving through Dubai Airports were received by GDRFA Dubai teams, accompanied by children who presented flowers and commemorative gifts. The reception was designed to express appreciation for pilgrims and add a personal touch to their homecoming, creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment they entered the arrivals halls.
The initiative highlighted the emirate’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience through gestures that go beyond routine procedures, combining efficient services with a human touch.
Smooth arrivals
Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shangiti, Assistant Director General for Airports Affairs at GDRFA Dubai, said the symbolic welcome reflected Dubai’s approach of placing people at the centre of its services and initiatives. He noted that the return of pilgrims carries deep spiritual and humanitarian significance, making it important for their reception to embody the UAE’s values of hospitality and appreciation.
Dubai Airports also implemented extensive preparations to receive the returning pilgrims. Qualified teams were deployed, dedicated lanes were allocated and flexible procedures were introduced to accelerate entry formalities.
The arrangements were carried out in coordination with strategic partners across the aviation and border sectors, helping ensure safe, smooth and comfortable journeys for arriving passengers.
GDRFA Dubai said such initiatives form part of its ongoing efforts to elevate the traveller experience and strengthen Dubai’s standing as a leading global destination known for service excellence, operational efficiency and human-centred care during national and religious occasions.