Saudis and expats pray inside Grand Mosque for first time in seven months

Saudis and Muslim expatriates maintaining social distancing pray in the Grand Mosque for the first time in seven months since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions were imposed, after they were allowed by the Saudi authorities, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Worshippers performed the Fajr (dawn) prayers in the holy mosque while observing stringent anti-virus precautions including keeping distancing and using their own prayer rugs.

About 40,000 worshippers and 15,000 Umrah pilgrims are allowed per day in the site under the second phase of the gradual plan that took effect today.

A Muslim maintains social distancing during prayers in the Grand Mosque for the first time in months since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions were imposed, after they were allowed by the Saudi authorities, in the holy city of Mecca.

The first phase started on October 4, allowing the Umrah for limited numbers of pilgrims from inside the kingdom.

The faithful need to register via the Etmarna App to obtain permits to perform the Umrah as well as to visit the Grand Mosque and Rawdah Al Sharifa in the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.

Muslims abroad will be allowed to go to Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah as of November 1.

Muslims maintaining social distancing pray in the Grand Mosque for the first time in months since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions were imposed, after they were allowed by the Saudi authorities, in the holy city of Mecca.

A Muslim uses a mobile phone as he maintains social distancing during prayers in the Grand Mosque.