The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments announced on Monday that the operators in the United Arab Emirates cannot accept requests for Haj or Umrah without prior authorisation.
As a result, the Authority has imposed stiff penalties for misuse of pilgrimage services. It said fines of up to Dh50,000 will be imposed on violators.
Prior to organising or advertising Haj or Umrah trips, the Decision also required that licences be obtained from the authorities. Furthermore, without a licence, it is prohibited to collect or receive donations for Haj and Umrah.
