In a landmark collaboration designed to elevate religious and cultural tourism, EgyptAir, through its tourism subsidiary Karnak, has officially partnered with Dar al-Ifta, Egypt’s highest Islamic advisory body. This strategic alliance aims to streamline and enhance travel services for attendees of major religious and cultural events, including Hajj and Umrah, as well as international scholarly conferences.
The newly signed cooperation protocol reflects EgyptAir’s ongoing commitment to strengthening national institutions and supporting Egypt’s growing influence as a center of Islamic scholarship. The partnership ensures that Dar al-Ifta and its associated delegations can benefit from a complete travel service package – from airline bookings to event organization – under the care of the national airline.
Comprehensive Travel Services for Religious Pilgrimages and Conferences
Under this agreement, Karnak will offer a wide array of integrated services tailored specifically to meet the needs of Dar al-Ifta and its partners:
- Discounted Air Travel: Competitive pricing on both domestic and international EgyptAir flights for scholars, delegates, and pilgrims.
- VIP Airport Assistance: Smooth facilitation of arrivals and departures through dedicated reception teams at airports.
- Local and International Transport: On-ground logistics for delegates attending religious and cultural events organized by Dar al-Ifta.
- Professional Event Management: End-to-end planning and hosting services for religious conferences, workshops, and educational events.
- Hajj and Umrah Packages: Fully managed pilgrimage services aligned with the Islamic calendar, designed for scholars and laypersons alike.
This initiative positions EgyptAir not just as a transportation provider, but as a trusted facilitator of spiritual and cultural journeys — from Cairo to Mecca, Medina, and beyond.
National Vision and Institutional Collaboration
During the signing event, Dr. Nazir Ayyad, Secretary-General of the World Federation of Fatwa Authorities and the Grand Mufti of Egypt, emphasized the importance of the partnership. “EgyptAir’s collaboration with Dar al-Ifta goes beyond logistics; it symbolizes our united effort to empower religious institutions through modern travel infrastructure,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Captain Mohamed Alian, Chairman and CEO of EgyptAir, reaffirmed the airline’s dedication to serving Egypt’s religious and cultural mission. He noted that the initiative aligns with Egypt’s national tourism strategy and the broader goals of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which seeks to promote Egypt as a global hub for both tourism and faith-based engagement.
Adding further insights, Ashraf Rateb, head of Karnak’s tourism sector, expressed optimism about the scope of this collaboration. “This partnership opens new horizons for service innovation. We are committed to delivering high-quality, reliable, and respectful services that reflect the spiritual significance of the events our clients attend,” Rateb remarked.
Counselor Osama al-Hindawi, head of the Office of the Grand Mufti, highlighted that EgyptAir would serve as the exclusive official carrier for all Dar al-Ifta-related activities, both in Egypt and internationally.
Enhancing International Participation in Islamic Conferences
The timing of this announcement is particularly significant, as Dar al-Ifta prepares to host the 10th International Scientific Conference on Fatwa and Artificial Intelligence on August 12–13 in Cairo. Over 100 senior Islamic scholars and fatwa authorities from more than 80 countries are expected to attend. Thanks to this partnership, EgyptAir will facilitate streamlined international travel and hospitality services for all delegates.
In alignment with Egypt’s Vision 2030, this cooperation is a model for how public-private partnerships can boost tourism while supporting religious diplomacy and cultural outreach. It also illustrates how transportation infrastructure can play a pivotal role in advancing soft power, international cooperation, and educational exchange.
Supporting Religious Tourism in a Post-Pandemic Era
With the resurgence of travel following the COVID-19 pandemic, Egypt is keen on reasserting its leadership in the religious tourism sector. According to the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority (ETPA), religious tourism — especially Hajj and Umrah — contributes significantly to Egypt’s tourism economy. This partnership allows EgyptAir to offer tailored pilgrimage packages, not only to Egyptian citizens but also to Muslims worldwide who seek trusted, Sharia-compliant travel experiences.
The protocol also addresses logistical and administrative challenges often faced by participants in large-scale religious events, such as visa processing, accommodation coordination, and health and safety assurance. With Karnak’s expertise and EgyptAir’s global network, these services are now centralized and optimized.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Future Cooperation
The EgyptAir–Dar al-Ifta cooperation sets a new benchmark for faith-based tourism services. It underscores Egypt’s evolving role in connecting the Islamic world through seamless travel, scholarly dialogue, and interfaith collaboration. As more institutions look to participate in global Islamic events, this model of integrated service delivery offers a compelling blueprint for governments, religious bodies, and national carriers alike.
As EgyptAir continues to build partnerships across the Arab and Islamic world, the Karnak arm is expected to grow its role in delivering bespoke tourism experiences that combine cultural enrichment with logistical precision. For travelers and scholars alike, Egypt now offers a comprehensive gateway to both spiritual fulfillment and world-class hospitality.
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