Haj 2020: Pilgrims from 160 nationalities set to perform rituals

Abu Dhabi: Haj pilgrims, who have arrived in the holy city of Mecca, were spending time in isolation ahead of the day of Tarwiya, when they head from Mecca to Mina.

Pilgrims have been arriving in Mecca from the cities of Madinah, Riyadh, Abha, Tabuk and Jazan. The Haj was limited this year to some 10,000 people living in Saudi Arabia, both citizens and residents, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Health precautions are in place every step of the way as the pilgrims embark on their holy journey.

Deputy Haj and Umrah Minister Dr. Abdul Fattah Mashat stressed “complete coordination” between the Health and Interior ministries in implementing health and security protocols.

He told Saudi Press Agency (SPA) pilgrims from 160 nationalities were going to perform this year’s rituals.

Dr Mashat said pilgrims were chosen through an electronic portal, denying that some applicants were preferred over others. Only those who met the required health standards were selected.

He also underscored the importance of the pilgrims wearing the electronic bracelet that ensures their implementation of home isolation.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Haj and Umrah for Haj Affairs Dr. Hussain bin Nasser Al Sharif said the process of receiving pilgrims took place smoothly and efficiently.

Complete coordination is in place between the Haj and Umrah, Health and Media ministries, as well as the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the traffic directorate and Saudi Arabian Airlines, in receiving pilgrims, he added.

Another batch of pilgrims, who are members of the health and security sectors who have recovered from the coronavirus, is expected to arrive in Mecca on Tuesday, he said.