Saudi Arabia receives 5 mln pilgrims, worshippers since gradual Umrah resumption: minister

Grand Mosque in Makkah

Saudi Arabia has received 5 million Umrah pilgrims and worshippers since the gradual resumption of the rituals, said Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mohammed Saleh Benten. 
 

He stressed that no cases of COVID-19 infections were reported among pilgrims and worshipers, thanks to the Kingdom’s concerted efforts to maintain the highest health standards, according to state-run news agency SPA. 
 

The statement came during a meeting held between Prince of Makkah Khaled Al-Faisal and the Minister of Hajj and Umrah today in Jeddah.  
 

On Sept. 22, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman approved the gradual resumption of Umrah pilgrimage in four phases, amid compliance with the required preventive health procedures, Argaam reported. 
 

Under the first phase, citizens and residents inside the Kingdom were allowed to perform Umrah per day in the Grand Mosque as of Oct. 4, at a 30% capacity (6,000 pilgrims per day). Meanwhile, the second phase started Oct. 18, with 15,000 pilgrims allowed to perform rituals and 40,000 worshippers performing daily obligatory prayers in the Grand Mosque at a 75% capacity. 
 

The third phase, which began on Nov. 1, Umrah, saw visits and prayers being allowed for citizens, as well as residents inside and outside the Kingdom at a 100% capacity (20,000 Umrah pilgrims per day, 60,000 worshippers /day) of the Two Holy Mosques. 
 

 Under the fourth phase, Umrah and prayers will be allowed for citizens, as well as residents inside and outside the Kingdom in the Two Holy Mosques at a 100% capacity.