As the annual Islamic pilgrimage (Hajj) season gets closer, the Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque and Centre (AFMC), in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), has successfully launched an educational event aimed at explaining the Hajj rituals and journey through state of the art technology. The event, “Accepted Hajj” (Al Hajj Al Mabrour), taking place at the AFMC in Al Safa 2, Jumeirah, started on 26 August and will run through 30 September 2016.

The “Accepted Hajj” event uses the latest technology to give visitors a lifelike journey of Hajj via virtual reality.  The event shows the journey of a Hajj pilgrim through advanced technological means. There is also a 3D model of the Kaaba and Madinah to enhance the journey. Visitors are given the opportunity to experience Hajj through Oculus Rift 3D glasses, immersing them in a virtual reality tour displaying a 360-degree view of the Kaaba.

The exhibition is further enhanced by lectures by Sheikh Dr Fares Al Mustafa, Religious and Cultural Advisor at the AFMC, as well as educational episodes on social media to showcase the importance of Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam.

Abdul Salam Al Marzooqi, General Manager at AFMC, said, “We are proud to showcase the event, thanks to our collaboration with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, to give a real understanding of the Hajj journey in such an innovative method. This is a good opportunity for people who have either taken the Hajj journey to remind themselves of the steps they have made while giving others the experience for the first time”

He added, “The event has so far been a tremendous success. We are getting very positive feedback from our visitors who are particularly enjoying the experience of the Oculus Rift 3D glasses. We would like to make it an annual event and reach out to a wider audience.”

The visitors to the event include Hajj organizers, tourists and schools. Accepting Hajj is also open to people of all faith.