Saudi Arabia to provide services to current Qatari pilgrims despite cutting ties

Saudi Arabia will provide all facilities and services for Qatari pilgrims who are currently in the Kingdom, regardless of its decision to sever diplomatic relations with Qatar, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Saudi Arabia has “confirmed its commitment and keenness to provide all facilities and services for Qatari pilgrims,” the news agency said.

The Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have severed diplomatic relations with Qatar, citing concerns over security and accusing Qatar of creating instability in the region.

Saudi Arabia has also asked its citizens to not travel, stay or transit through Qatar. Saudi citizens and visitors currently in Qatar have been requested to leave the country within 14 days.

Entry by Qatari citizens into Kingdom has also been restricted, and those present in Saudi Arabia have been asked to leave within 14 days.

The orders, however, do not affect Qatari pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia.