RIYADH, June 11. /Dunyo IA/. Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan Mufti Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazar, gave an interview to the leading Saudi newspaper “Okaz”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The interview focuses on the outcomes of the Hajj season 1447 AH, organization of pilgrimage for Uzbek citizens, and matters of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia in the field of Hajj.

Answering the journalist's questions, Mufti noted that the current Hajj season was completed successfully and in an organized manner. According to him, Uzbek pilgrims expressed positive feedback regarding the conditions for performing the rituals, as well as the level of services and security provided.

Particular attention in the interview was paid to Uzbekistan's participation in organizing the Hajj. Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazar emphasized: “We also express our gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who paid special attention to the pilgrims of Uzbekistan and took all necessary measures to create proper conditions so they could perform the Hajj at the highest level”.

The interview also highlights that extensive work has been carried out in Uzbekistan in recent years to improve the system of organizing the Hajj. While previously the quota for Uzbek pilgrims stood at around 5,200 people, by 2026, the number of citizens granted the opportunity to perform the Hajj increased to 15,250.

Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazar also spoke about the launch of the new “President's Pilgrims” program this year. Under this initiative, 100 Uzbek citizens who made significant contributions to the country's development, as well as its religious and social life, were given the opportunity to perform the Hajj as guests of honour.

According to the Mufti, Uzbekistan currently operates a unified electronic registration system for those wishing to perform the Hajj, based on a first-come, first-served principle. Furthermore, nine of the country's international airports are utilized to organize the pilgrimage, making the travel process more convenient for citizens from various regions of the republic.

Head of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan also noted the high level of cooperation between the relevant agencies of the two countries. According to him, the close collaboration between the religious affairs authorities of Uzbekistan and the corresponding bodies of Saudi Arabia contributed to the successful organization of the current Hajj season for Uzbek pilgrims.