COVID-19: Saudi Arabia to reopen Mecca facilities for visitors in October

Cairo: Mecca-based facilities affiliated to the General Presidency for Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia will reopen in October for visitors after months of closure as part of precautions against the spread of the coronavirus, Saudi media reported today.

President- General for Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque Abdulrahman Al Sudais has directed the gradual reopening of the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Kaaba Kiswa, the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques’ Architecture and the Grand Mosque Library, starting from the first of Rabia Al Awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar.

Al Sudais underlined the necessity of complying with precautionary measures recommended by health to protect visitors’ safety.

Saudi Arabia has recently eased several virus-related restrictions.

Last week, Saudi authorities unveiled a plan for gradual resumption of Umrah and visits to the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina, starting from next month.

Saudis and foreign residents in the kingdom will be allowed in the first phase beginning October 4 to perform Umrah at a capacity of 30 per cent amid health precautions.

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