Saudi Arabia: 13m Umrah pilgrims, worshippers perform Grand Mosque rituals

Abu Dhabi: More than 13 million people have performed Umrah and prayed at the Grand Mosque since the resumption on October 4, according to Saudi Arabia’s General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.

Umrah performers accounted for nearly 3.2 million of the total, while the number of worshippers reached more thn 9.3 million between October 4 and March 28, the presidency said in a statement.

The presidency has mobilised all its resources to serve the pilgrims and provide them with a safe and healthy environment.

With the beginning of the third phase of Umrah resuming on November 1, special paths have been created near the Holy Kaaba to helpthe elderly and people with special needs to perform their rituals.

The first path has been designated for 45 wheelchair pilgrims where Tawaf (circumambulation around the Kaaba) takes 10 to 15 minutes, while the second path, which is closest to the Holy Kaaba and accommodates 50 people, has been set aside for elderly people who do not need wheelchairs.

Only pilgrims and worshippers with valid permits for performing Umrah or regular prayers at the Grand Mosque will be allowed to enter Mecca.

The Saudi Public Security Agency has urged pilgrims and worshippers to adhere to the deadline specified in the permit and comply with precautionary measures and preventive protocols.

Special security forces have been deployed at the main entry points of Mecca to provide guidance, humanitarian services and control the flow of vehicles to the holy city.

The security forces will intensify patrols to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent any reckless or disruptive acts targeting travellers along the roads to Mecca.