Singapore Seeks Additional Hajj Quota for 2028 During Saudi Arabia Visit ISLAM GLOBAL NEWS | HAJJ & UMRAH By Islam Global News Editorial Desk SINGAPORE | November 8, 2026 Singapore is preparing to request an additional Hajj quota for 2028 during a high-level official visit to Saudi Arabia, as the country seeks to accommodate more Muslim residents wishing to perform the annual pilgrimage. Zaqy Mohamad, Singapore's Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, began an official visit to Saudi Arabia and Egypt on November 8. The visit is scheduled to continue until November 14. The announcement was made by Singapore's Islamic Religious Council (MUIS). Singapore to Discuss Additional Hajj Places During meetings in Jeddah, Zaqy Mohamad is scheduled to meet Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah. One of the key subjects will be Singapore's Hajj arrangements for 2027 and the country's request for an additional pilgrimage quota for 2028. Both ministers are also expected to sign the Hajj Agreement formalising Singapore's allocation for the 2027 pilgrimage season. The request for additional places reflects Singapore's continued efforts to meet the aspirations of Muslims hoping to perform Hajj. Hajj 2027 Preparations The 2027 Hajj season is expected to take place in May. Singapore's delegation will participate in the annual Hajj Conference and Exhibition organised by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Representatives from participating countries use the conference to discuss pilgrimage arrangements, services and operational coordination. Singapore has previously received recognition through Saudi Arabia's Labbaitum programme in 2023, 2025 and 2026. Islamic Higher Education Cooperation in Egypt The official visit also includes meetings with religious scholars and Islamic higher education partners in Cairo. Zaqy Mohamad is expected to meet representatives and advisory panel members associated with the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS). He will also engage Singaporean students pursuing Islamic studies in Egypt. The discussions aim to strengthen academic relationships and expand cooperation in Islamic education. Humanitarian Cooperation Singapore's delegation will also meet Egyptian counterparts and humanitarian organisations to discuss opportunities for greater cooperation. The discussions will build on Singapore's recently launched SG for Humanity initiative. The programme aims to strengthen partnerships with humanitarian organisations and support relief efforts through cooperation with international partners. Why This Matters to Singapore's Muslim Community Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and represents a major spiritual aspiration for Muslims around the world. For Singaporean Muslims, the availability of pilgrimage places is particularly important because the national quota determines how many eligible applicants can travel each year. An additional allocation for 2028 could provide more opportunities, although approval has not yet been announced. The outcome of the discussions with Saudi Arabia will therefore be closely watched by prospective pilgrims. What Happens Next? The visit continues until November 14, 2026. Singapore's Hajj Agreement for 2027 and its request for additional places in 2028 are among the important matters expected to be discussed. ISLAM GLOBAL NEWS will continue monitoring official announcements on Singapore's Hajj quota, pilgrimage arrangements and international Islamic cooperation. Sources & References 1. Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) – Official Government Announcement, November 8, 2026: https://www.muis.gov.sg/resources/media-releases/acting-minister-zaqy-to-visit-saudi-arabia-and-egypt/ Editorial note: The additional Hajj quota for 2028 is a request Singapore intends to convey to Saudi Arabia. It has not yet been approved. The 2027 agreement is expected to formalise Singapore's allocation.