Watani takes pilgrims on ultimate Hajj trip to Al Madinah

It is the highlight of a Muslim life as the Hajj offers each pilgrim the chance to confirm their faith and religious values.

The organizing committee selected volunteers from Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, Emirates Association for the Blind, Dar Zayed for Comprehensive Welfare as well as representatives from a variety of other charity associations and orphanages following their efforts to contribute to the development of the nation on all levels. They had each participated in the different social and cultural campaigns organized by the program to reinforce the national identity, culture of volunteer work and practices of good citizenship. They will be accompanied by Watani's most active volunteers who are invited to join as a token of appreciation for their ongoing dedication.

'I am overwhelmed by the chance offered to me by Watani to perform Hajj. Hajj to me is a communal activity that forfeits boundaries of race, language and social status. We meet only for one purpose, in the same way that we work in our community for one purpose,' said Munther Darweesh Yagoub, esteemed member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders.

'I have been given the chance of a lifetime through my nomination to perform Hajj with such an esteemed group of volunteers. This group of pilgrims is a role model for me and I hope to gain from this experience a deeper understanding of other ways in which I can give back to my community,' said Hassan Jaber Al Thamiri, a volunteer with Dar Zayed for Comprehensive Welfare.

Commenting on the campaign, Sheikh Mostafa Abdul Aal, Watani's religious counselor, and head of the delegation said: 'Islam is an integral part of the identity of UAE nationals and the Hajj brings us closer and closer to God. This campaign will establish unity between volunteers from a variety of nationalities and backgrounds and will bring together people from different civil society organizations who are joined by their desire to serve their community.'

The selected pilgrims were invited to an initial gathering on December 6th where they were given a brief introduction and lecture on the Hajj meanings and practices. The Watani Hajj campaign started with the departure of the pilgrims to Al Madinah Al Munawarah on Tuesday December 11th and will continue for ten days, ending with the celebration of Eid Al Adha on December 23rd.