UAE Support Strengthens Indonesia-Emirates Ties Ahead of Hajj Season

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates reaffirmed their close partnership this week as the Zayed Foundation extended financial assistance to Indonesian pilgrims preparing for the 2026 Hajj.

In a ceremony held at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah headquarters in Jakarta on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the UAE government, through the Zayed Foundation, handed over symbolic support worth approximately USD 190,000 (Rp 3.3 billion).

The aid is designated for 162 selected Indonesian pilgrims, underscoring the Emirates’ solidarity with the wider Muslim community.

The event was attended by UAE Ambassador to Indonesia Abdulla Salem Obaid Aldhaheri, Deputy Head of Mission Shaima Salem Alhebsi, Head of Media Affairs and Public Diplomacy Sultan Obaid Alkaabi, Head of Citizen Affairs and Consular Maktoom Rashed Alhebsi, and Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Moch. Irfan Yusuf.

Minister Irfan expressed deep appreciation, noting that the contribution reflects not only financial support but also the enduring bonds of Islamic brotherhood and bilateral friendship.

“On behalf of all Indonesian pilgrims, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of the United Arab Emirates. May Allah grant continuous blessings and progress to the UAE,” the minister said, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

This year, Indonesia is set to send 221,000 pilgrims to the Holy Land, many of whom have long awaited the opportunity to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam.

Ambassador Aldhaheri emphasized that while the UAE’s contribution may be modest in scale, it carries significant meaning for future cooperation.

“We hope this support brings direct benefit to the pilgrims and lays the foundation for broader collaboration between our two countries,” he remarked, adding that the UAE looks forward to expanding cooperation beyond Hajj operations into initiatives such as the Hajj Fund and other strategic programs.

Both governments pledged to continue developing innovative and productive avenues of collaboration, particularly in enhancing services for Indonesian pilgrims.

The ceremony was seen as a milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and reaffirming a shared commitment to serving the guests of Allah with dignity and care. ***