Saudi Arabia: Rare stillness at the mataf as Hajj season begins, Umrah season ends

Dubai: In an unusual and rare scene, the mataf — the white marble-paved area surrounding the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Mecca — has recently seen nearly empty, marking a rare moment of calm ahead of the annual Hajj season.

Only a small number of foreign pilgrims arriving on the first day of permitted Hajj entry were seen performing tawaf, the ritual circumambulation of the Kaaba.

Video footage captured the near emptiness of the mataf, a space typically thronged with worshippers throughout the year.

The scene is the result of strict entry measures enforced by Saudi authorities to prepare for Hajj 1446H (2025). As of April 29, individuals not holding a Hajj visa or official permit are barred from staying in or entering Mecca.

The Ministry of Tourism has instructed all travel agencies and hospitality providers in the holy city to refrain from booking or checking in anyone without valid Hajj documentation or authorised work or residency permits in Mecca.

These measures follow an earlier directive issued by the Directorate of Public Security banning all expatriates without official permits from entering Mecca starting April 23.

The measures are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to ensure the safety, security, and ease of movement for Hajj pilgrims.

By restricting access solely to those with the proper documentation, authorities aim to maintain order and enable the smooth organisation of the pilgrimage.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that Tuesday, April 29, was also the final day for Umrah pilgrims to leave the Kingdom.

It reiterated that all visa holders, aside from those issued Hajj visas, are now prohibited from entering or staying in Mecca.

Additionally, Umrah permit issuance through the Nusuk platform has been suspended until June 10 for both Saudi citizens and residents, as well as holders of other visa types.

As the Hajj season officially begins, the number of pilgrims in the Grand Mosque is expected to increase steadily in the coming days as pilgrims from across the globe continue to arrive in the Kingdom for their once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey.