Photos | Life & Fun: Know why Hajj is a mandatory pilgrimage for Muslims who can afford it, while Umrah remains a highly esteemed but non-compulsory act of worship in Islam.

Hajj 2025: What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?

Saudi Arabia has implemented a new regulation requiring Pakistani travellers to get a polio vaccine, before entering the country for Umrah. Passengers must obtain a certificate from either a government or private hospital, To confirm their vaccination status. According to the new rule, travellers must receive either an Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) within the last 12 months or an Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) within the last 6 months before they arrive in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia enforces strict vaccination rules for Pakistani Umrah pilgrims

After more than 9 years, a group of Iranians travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah. Due to the rift between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Iranians were not able to go on the year-round pilgrimage to Mecca. Here's a look at the first batch of Iranians attending the pilgrimage.

First batch of Iranians in Saudi

For the first time in over eight years, Iranian pilgrims will visit Islam's holiest sites in Saudi Arabia from December 19, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday (Dec 13). The development is the latest sign of thawing ties between the Shia and Saudi powerhouses of West Asia.

Flights will take off from 10 airports around Iran carrying Iranians travelling on the year-round Umrah pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the semi-official Fars news agency said.

The first dispatch of Iranian Umrah pilgrims will occur from Dec. 19, Fars added.

Fars said up to 70,000 Iranian pilgrims were expected to travel to Saudi Arabia by the end of February 2024.

Since 2016, the Iranian pilgrims have only been able to complete the hajj pilgrimage, a religious duty deemed compulsory for Muslims who aim to carry it out once in their lifetime and which is subject to strict annual quotas and timings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-saudi-arabia-restore-ties-as-china-brokered-deal-outfoxes-west-570766">Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West</a>

But Iranians are now able to complete the Umrah as well, deemed a "lesser pilgrimage" that can be taken at any time of the year and is not compulsory in Islam unlike Hajj.

The currently ongoing negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia also aim to re-establish non-religious tourism between the two countries, with flights linking Riyadh and Tehran.&nbsp;

With China at the centre of the geopolitical picture in March 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic ties after their seven years of bilateral estrangement.

Also watch |&nbsp;Saudi-Iran ties: a new beginning in West Asia?

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The deal, which entailed Iran and Saudi Arabia reopening their embassies and missions in each other’s cities, resulted in&nbsp;a shifting of sands&nbsp;in Beijing's favour in a region where&nbsp;the United States has waged conflicts&nbsp;and spent hundreds of billions of dollars in providing security for its allies.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

For the first time in over eight years, Iranian pilgrims will visit Islam's holiest sites in Saudi Arabia from December 19, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday (Dec 13).

For the first time in over eight years, Iranian pilgrims will visit Islam's holiest sites in Saudi Arabia from December 19, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday (Dec 13). The development is the latest sign of thawing ties between the Shia and Saudi powerhouses of West Asia. Flights will take off from 10 airports around Iran carrying Iranians travelling on the year-round Umrah pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the semi-official Fars news agency said. The first dispatch of Iranian Umrah pilgrims will occur from Dec. 19, Fars added. Fars said up to 70,000 Iranian pilgrims were expected to travel to Saudi Arabia by the end of February 2024. Since 2016, the Iranian pilgrims have only been able to complete the hajj pilgrimage, a religious duty deemed compulsory for Muslims who aim to carry it out once in their lifetime and which is subject to strict annual quotas and timings. Also read | Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West But Iranians are now able to complete the Umrah as well, deemed a "lesser pilgrimage" that can be taken at any time of the year and is not compulsory in Islam unlike Hajj. The currently ongoing negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia also aim to re-establish non-religious tourism between the two countries, with flights linking Riyadh and Tehran. With China at the centre of the geopolitical picture in March 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic ties after their seven years of bilateral estrangement. Also watch | Saudi-Iran ties: a new beginning in West Asia? × The deal, which entailed Iran and Saudi Arabia reopening their embassies and missions in each other’s cities, resulted in a shifting of sands in Beijing's favour in a region where the United States has waged conflicts and spent hundreds of billions of dollars in providing security for its allies. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, Saudi Arabia reopens Umrah route for Iranians since 2015

In a big announcement for Umrah pilgrims, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has exempted pilgrims from Turkey from Covid-19 vaccination requirements. Now, even unvaccinated pilgrims from Turkey will be able to visit the Kingdom and offer prayers at the Holy Rawdah.

In a big announcement for Umrah pilgrims, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has exempted pilgrims from Turkey from Covid-19 vaccination requirements. Now, even unvaccinated pilgrims from Turkey will be able to visit the Kingdom and offer prayers at the Holy Rawdah. While making this announcement, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah declared that the step was taken in order to facilitate the travel of Umrah pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. “The pilgrims from Turkey are also excluded from any requirements related to age limits,” Dr Al-Rabiah said. Saudi Arabia exempts Pilgrims from Vaccination requirements to serve Islam In order to further the goals of the kingdom's Vision 2030, Dr Al-Rabiah also stated that the government will open the door for holders of all types of visas from around the world to perform Umrah. This is part of the ongoing support and care that the custodian government of the Two Holy Mosques provides to serve Islam and Muslims. Saudi Arabia sets age requirement for Umrah Pilgrims Although children accompanied by parents are permitted to enter the Grand Mosque, which houses the Kaaba, the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah stated that children under the age of five are not permitted to do Umrah. According to the ministry, according to the Arabic daily Ajel, "the minimum age to book an umrah permission is five years, provided that the child is not afflicted with or has been in contact with a Coronavirus sufferer." How many people are expected to perform Umrah this year The Kingdom anticipates that more than 10 million Muslim pilgrims will participate in the current Umrah season, a prediction reminiscent of figures prior to the pandemic. Those with Hajj and Umrah visas will be able to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the international airports of Jeddah, Madinah, Yanbu, and Taif. Visitors from SAUDIA possessing Umrah and Hajj visas will only be admitted on flights run by national airlines via the international airports of Riyadh and Dammam, and they must continue their journey to the airports of Jeddah and Madinah by domestic flights.

Saudi Arabia Umrah Travel Update: Government lifts Covid restrictions, sets new age requirements for pilgrims

A woman pilgrim no longer needs to be accompanied by a male guardian or 'mahram' to perform Hajj or Umrah in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia: Women can now attend Hajj without male guardian

If reports are to be believed, foreign Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia can extend their duration of stay to 30 days. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah seems to have announced the new directive. Earlier, the foreign Umrah pilgrims were allowed to stay for 10 days only, a report by the Saudi Gazette said. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-scare-new-york-records-5-cases-bringing-number-of-new-variant-cases-in-us-to-eight-433665" hreflang="en">Omicron scare: New York records 5 cases, bringing number of new variant cases in US to eight</a>

"Before the travel ban following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, foreign pilgrims were allowed to stay up to 30 days in Saudi Arabia. When the temporary ban on Umrah pilgrims was lifted and the service resumed on November 1, foreign pilgrims were allowed a 10-day stay in the kingdom," the report said. &nbsp;

Earlier, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia had announced that the kingdom has decided to accept foreign pilgrims, who want to perform Umrah in the Grand Mosque of Makkah under the updated coronavirus-related restrictions. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/with-omicron-reinfection-is-three-times-more-likely-south-african-health-body-433684" hreflang="en">With Omicron, reinfection is three times more likely: South African health body</a>

In a statement on Twitter, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had shared the requirements of vaccination for Umrah pilgrims, who will be "coming from abroad". It has also shared the list of the jabs approved by the Saudi Arabia. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The list says that the pilgrims must have got two shots of Oxford AstraZeneca, Comirnaty, Pfizer/BioNtech, SK Bioscience, Vaxzevria, Covishield, Moderna or Spikevax or one dose of Johnson &amp; Johnson. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

If reports are to be believed, foreign Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia can extend their duration of stay to 30 days. Ministry of Hajj and Umrah seems to have announced the new directive.

If reports are to be believed, foreign Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia can extend their duration of stay to 30 days. Ministry of Hajj and Umrah seems to have announced the new directive. Earlier, the foreign Umrah pilgrims were allowed to stay for 10 days only, a report by the Saudi Gazette said. Also Read | Omicron scare: New York records 5 cases, bringing number of new variant cases in US to eight "Before the travel ban following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, foreign pilgrims were allowed to stay up to 30 days in Saudi Arabia. When the temporary ban on Umrah pilgrims was lifted and the service resumed on November 1, foreign pilgrims were allowed a 10-day stay in the kingdom," the report said. Earlier, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia had announced that the kingdom has decided to accept foreign pilgrims, who want to perform Umrah in the Grand Mosque of Makkah under the updated coronavirus-related restrictions. Also Read: With Omicron, reinfection is three times more likely: South African health body In a statement on Twitter, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had shared the requirements of vaccination for Umrah pilgrims, who will be "coming from abroad". It has also shared the list of the jabs approved by the Saudi Arabia. The list says that the pilgrims must have got two shots of Oxford AstraZeneca, Comirnaty, Pfizer/BioNtech, SK Bioscience, Vaxzevria, Covishield, Moderna or Spikevax or one dose of Johnson & Johnson. (With inputs from agencies)

Now, foreign Umrah pilgrims can stay up to 30 days in Saudi Arabia, says report

In a welcome move, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has announced on Sunday that the kingdom has decided to accept foreign pilgrims, who want to perform Umrah in the Grand Mosque of Makkah under the updated coronavirus-related restrictions. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-confirms-omicron-infections-as-us-fauci-warns-two-weeks-needed-to-study-new-strain-432636" hreflang="en">Canada confirms 'Omicron' infections as US' Fauci warns two weeks needed to study new strain</a>

In a statement on Twitter, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has shared the requirements of vaccination for Umrah pilgrims, who will be "coming from abroad". It has also shared the list of the jabs approved by the Saudi Arabia. &nbsp;

As per the new directive, the pilgrims, who are travelling to Saudi Arabia on Umrah visa and have been inoculated with any vaccine approved by the kingdom will get to perform Umrah immediately.&nbsp;They will not have to go into quarantine upon arrival. &nbsp;

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The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has updated its Vaccination Requirements for Umrah Pilgrims coming from abroad <a href="https://t.co/8cIqJJxwho">pic.twitter.com/8cIqJJxwho</a>
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The pilgrims, who are travelling on Umrah visas and have been inoculated with any of the vaccines approved by the World Health Organisation, will have to go undergo quarantine for three days on the arrival. &nbsp;

At the end of the quarantine, the pilgrims would have to also submit a negative report of the PCR test, which should have been taken 48 hours after the arrival. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-in-race-against-time-to-tackle-omicron-covid-variant-says-eu-chief-432631" hreflang="en">World in 'race against time' to tackle Omicron Covid variant, says EU chief</a>

The list says that the pilgrims must have got two shots of Oxford AstraZeneca, Comirnaty, Pfizer/BioNtech, SK Bioscience, Vaxzevria, Covishield, Moderna or Spikevax or one dose of Johnson &amp; Johnson. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a welcome move, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has announced on Sunday that the kingdom has decided to accept foreign pilgrims, who want to perform Umrah in the Grand Mosque of Makkah under the updated coronavirus-related restrictions.

In a welcome move, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has announced on Sunday that the kingdom has decided to accept foreign pilgrims, who want to perform Umrah in the Grand Mosque of Makkah under the updated coronavirus-related restrictions. Also Read: Canada confirms 'Omicron' infections as US' Fauci warns two weeks needed to study new strain In a statement on Twitter, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has shared the requirements of vaccination for Umrah pilgrims, who will be "coming from abroad". It has also shared the list of the jabs approved by the Saudi Arabia. As per the new directive, the pilgrims, who are travelling to Saudi Arabia on Umrah visa and have been inoculated with any vaccine approved by the kingdom will get to perform Umrah immediately. They will not have to go into quarantine upon arrival. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has updated its Vaccination Requirements for Umrah Pilgrims coming from abroad pic.twitter.com/8cIqJJxwho — Haramain Sharifain (@hsharifain) November 28, 2021 × The pilgrims, who are travelling on Umrah visas and have been inoculated with any of the vaccines approved by the World Health Organisation, will have to go undergo quarantine for three days on the arrival. At the end of the quarantine, the pilgrims would have to also submit a negative report of the PCR test, which should have been taken 48 hours after the arrival. Also Read: World in 'race against time' to tackle Omicron Covid variant, says EU chief The list says that the pilgrims must have got two shots of Oxford AstraZeneca, Comirnaty, Pfizer/BioNtech, SK Bioscience, Vaxzevria, Covishield, Moderna or Spikevax or one dose of Johnson & Johnson. (With inputs from agencies)

Finally, inoculated foreign pilgrims can perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia  

Saudi Arabia will gradually begin receiving Umrah pilgrimage requests from abroad for vaccinated pilgrims starting August&nbsp;9 after about a year and a half of not receiving overseas worshippers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state news agency (SPA) reported early on Sunday. 
 
With a capacity that would rise to two million pilgrims from 60,000 pilgrims per month, Mecca and Medina will start welcoming visitors from abroad to their mosques while maintaining COVID-19 precautionary measures. 
 
An official in the Hajj and Umrah Ministry said domestic and overseas pilgrims will have to include authorised COVID-19 vaccination certificates along with their Umrah request. 
 
Vaccinated pilgrims from countries that Saudi Arabia includes on its entry-ban list will have to be institutionally quarantined upon arrival, the report added. 
 
Umrah, a pilgrimage to Islam's two holiest sites that is undertaken at any time of the year, was reopened in October for domestic worshippers after it was totally upon the outbreak of the pandemic. 
 
Islam's holiest sites' home for the second year in a row had hosted a limited-numbered, domestic Haj pilgrimage in July.

Saudi Arabia will gradually begin receiving Umrah pilgrimage requests from abroad for vaccinated pilgrims starting August 9 after about a year and a half of not receiving overseas worshippers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state news agency (SPA) reported early on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia will gradually begin receiving Umrah pilgrimage requests from abroad for vaccinated pilgrims starting August 9 after about a year and a half of not receiving overseas worshippers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state news agency (SPA) reported early on Sunday. With a capacity that would rise to two million pilgrims from 60,000 pilgrims per month, Mecca and Medina will start welcoming visitors from abroad to their mosques while maintaining COVID-19 precautionary measures. An official in the Hajj and Umrah Ministry said domestic and overseas pilgrims will have to include authorised COVID-19 vaccination certificates along with their Umrah request. Vaccinated pilgrims from countries that Saudi Arabia includes on its entry-ban list will have to be institutionally quarantined upon arrival, the report added. Umrah, a pilgrimage to Islam's two holiest sites that is undertaken at any time of the year, was reopened in October for domestic worshippers after it was totally upon the outbreak of the pandemic. Islam's holiest sites' home for the second year in a row had hosted a limited-numbered, domestic Haj pilgrimage in July.

Saudi Arabia opens Umrah pilgrimage to vaccinated worshipers from abroad: Report

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia will host another downsized hajj from Saturday, with only residents fully vaccinated against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> permitted and overseas Muslim pilgrims barred for a second year.

The kingdom seeks to repeat last year's success that saw no virus outbreak during the five-day Muslim ritual.

It is allowing 60,000 residents of&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia to participate, higher than in 2020 but drastically lower than in normal times. People will begin to arrive on Saturday, a day before the start of rites.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-allows-60000-vaccinated-residents-on-hajj-bars-foreigners-again-391155">Saudi allows 60,000 vaccinated residents on hajj, bars foreigners again</a>

In 2019, some 2.5 million Muslims from around the world participated in the annual hajj, a key pillar of Islam that is a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime.

Earlier this month, the hajj ministry said it was working on the "highest levels of health precautions" in light of the pandemic and the emergence of new variants.

Chosen from more than 558,000 applicants through an online vetting system, the event is confined to those who have been fully vaccinated and are aged 18-65 with no chronic illnesses, it said.

The pilgrimage, which typically packs large crowds into congested religious sites, is potentially a super-spreader of the virus.&nbsp;

Aside from strict social distancing measures, the ministry said it will introduce a "smart hajj card" to allow contact-free access to camps, hotels and buses to ferry pilgrims around religious sites.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-suspends-uae-flights-due-to-virus-variant-395578">Saudi suspends UAE flights due to virus variant</a>

The card system would also help track down any missing pilgrims, it added.

Authorities have deployed black-and-white robots to dispense bottles of sacred water from the Zamzam spring in Mecca's Grand Mosque, built around the Kaaba, the black cubic structure towards which Muslims around the world pray.

The revered Black Stone&nbsp;in the Kaaba, which it is customary but not mandatory to touch during the pilgrimage, is expected to be kept out of reach.

'Frustration is growing'&nbsp;

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia has so far recorded more than 503,000 coronavirus infections, including over 8,000 deaths.

More than 20 million <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> doses against coronavirus have been administered in the country of over 34 million people.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-to-hold-haj-under-covid-safety-measures-384024">Saudi Arabia to hold Haj under Covid safety measures</a>

The hajj went ahead last year on the smallest scale in modern history, with authorities initially saying only 1,000 pilgrims were allowed but local media said up to 10,000 took part.

No infections were reported as authorities set up multiple health facilities, mobile clinics and ambulances to cater for the pilgrims, who were taken to the religious sites in small batches.

They were also given amenity kits that included sterilised pebbles for the "stoning of Satan" ritual, disinfectants, masks, a prayer rug and ihram, the traditional seamless white hajj garment, made from a bacteria-resistant material.&nbsp;

Hosting the hajj is a matter of prestige for&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;rulers, for whom the custodianship of Islam's holiest sites is their most powerful source of political legitimacy.&nbsp;

But barring overseas pilgrims has caused resentment and anguish among Muslims worldwide, who typically save for years to take part.

"The&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;government wants to play it completely safe by barring foreign pilgrims for the second consecutive year," Umar Karim, a visiting fellow at Britain’s Royal United Services Institute, told AFP.

"But frustration is growing across the Muslim world that could raise questions about the kingdom’s role as the custodian of holy mosques and result in a reduction of its religious soft power.

"It also spells disaster for the hajj economy worldwide."

'Weigh on recovery'&nbsp;

The hajj and year-round umrah pilgrimages are usually a key revenue earner for the kingdom, not to mention airlines and travel agencies. &nbsp;

In normal times, they together rake in some $12 billion (10.3 billion euros) annually, keeping the economy humming in Mecca.

But downsizing the rituals, which will run until Tuesday, the first day of post-Ramadan holidays, has hit government revenues and battered businesses that support hundreds of thousands of jobs in the holy city, from travel agents to street barbers and souvenir shops.

Mecca has seen a construction boom in recent years that added shopping malls, apartments and luxury hotels, some offering spectacular views of the sacred Kaaba.

But most premises have seen fewer customers since the pandemic.

"The&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;government's confirmation that the hajj pilgrimage will be extremely limited this year will weigh on the kingdom's economic recovery," said Capital Economics, a research consultancy.

"The government is clearly concerned that a larger hajj could spark a surge in COVID-19 cases and possibly risk importing new virus variants, which could force them to tighten restrictions that harm the economy."

Saudi Arabia will host another downsized hajj from Saturday, with only residents fully vaccinated against the coronavirus permitted and overseas Muslim pilgrims barred for a second year.

Saudi Arabia will host another downsized hajj from Saturday, with only residents fully vaccinated against the coronavirus permitted and overseas Muslim pilgrims barred for a second year. The kingdom seeks to repeat last year's success that saw no virus outbreak during the five-day Muslim ritual. It is allowing 60,000 residents of Saudi Arabia to participate, higher than in 2020 but drastically lower than in normal times. People will begin to arrive on Saturday, a day before the start of rites. Also read | Saudi allows 60,000 vaccinated residents on hajj, bars foreigners again In 2019, some 2.5 million Muslims from around the world participated in the annual hajj, a key pillar of Islam that is a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime. Earlier this month, the hajj ministry said it was working on the "highest levels of health precautions" in light of the pandemic and the emergence of new variants. Chosen from more than 558,000 applicants through an online vetting system, the event is confined to those who have been fully vaccinated and are aged 18-65 with no chronic illnesses, it said. The pilgrimage, which typically packs large crowds into congested religious sites, is potentially a super-spreader of the virus. Aside from strict social distancing measures, the ministry said it will introduce a "smart hajj card" to allow contact-free access to camps, hotels and buses to ferry pilgrims around religious sites. Also read | Saudi suspends UAE flights due to virus variant The card system would also help track down any missing pilgrims, it added. Authorities have deployed black-and-white robots to dispense bottles of sacred water from the Zamzam spring in Mecca's Grand Mosque, built around the Kaaba, the black cubic structure towards which Muslims around the world pray. The revered Black Stone in the Kaaba, which it is customary but not mandatory to touch during the pilgrimage, is expected to be kept out of reach. 'Frustration is growing' Saudi Arabia has so far recorded more than 503,000 coronavirus infections, including over 8,000 deaths. More than 20 million vaccine doses against coronavirus have been administered in the country of over 34 million people. Also read | Saudi Arabia to hold Haj under Covid safety measures The hajj went ahead last year on the smallest scale in modern history, with authorities initially saying only 1,000 pilgrims were allowed but local media said up to 10,000 took part. No infections were reported as authorities set up multiple health facilities, mobile clinics and ambulances to cater for the pilgrims, who were taken to the religious sites in small batches. They were also given amenity kits that included sterilised pebbles for the "stoning of Satan" ritual, disinfectants, masks, a prayer rug and ihram, the traditional seamless white hajj garment, made from a bacteria-resistant material. Hosting the hajj is a matter of prestige for Saudi rulers, for whom the custodianship of Islam's holiest sites is their most powerful source of political legitimacy. But barring overseas pilgrims has caused resentment and anguish among Muslims worldwide, who typically save for years to take part. "The Saudi government wants to play it completely safe by barring foreign pilgrims for the second consecutive year," Umar Karim, a visiting fellow at Britain’s Royal United Services Institute, told AFP. "But frustration is growing across the Muslim world that could raise questions about the kingdom’s role as the custodian of holy mosques and result in a reduction of its religious soft power. "It also spells disaster for the hajj economy worldwide." 'Weigh on recovery' The hajj and year-round umrah pilgrimages are usually a key revenue earner for the kingdom, not to mention airlines and travel agencies. In normal times, they together rake in some $12 billion (10.3 billion euros) annually, keeping the economy humming in Mecca. But downsizing the rituals, which will run until Tuesday, the first day of post-Ramadan holidays, has hit government revenues and battered businesses that support hundreds of thousands of jobs in the holy city, from travel agents to street barbers and souvenir shops. Mecca has seen a construction boom in recent years that added shopping malls, apartments and luxury hotels, some offering spectacular views of the sacred Kaaba. But most premises have seen fewer customers since the pandemic. "The Saudi government's confirmation that the hajj pilgrimage will be extremely limited this year will weigh on the kingdom's economic recovery," said Capital Economics, a research consultancy. "The government is clearly concerned that a larger hajj could spark a surge in COVID-19 cases and possibly risk importing new virus variants, which could force them to tighten restrictions that harm the economy."

Saudi hosts vaccinated pilgrims for second downsized hajj

Saudi Arabia allows worshippers from foreign&nbsp;countries to perform the&nbsp;Umrah&nbsp;pilgrimage in Mecca starting on Sunday (November 1) as the kingdom relaxes measures it had taken to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

According to&nbsp;Amr Al-Maddah, deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, ''The pilgrims must isolate for three days after arrival before being transported to religious sites.''

Al-Maddah said the testing of pilgrims,&nbsp;who are all 50 years old or younger,&nbsp;for COVID-19 will be continuous and any cases detected will be closely monitored.

The revered Black Stone&nbsp;in the Kaaba,&nbsp;which is customary but not mandatory to touch during the pilgrimage,&nbsp;will be out of reach.

The Grand Mosque is to be sterilised before and after each group of worshippers. Thermal sensors have been installed to measure the body temperature of pilgrims, Mecca authorities said.

Umrah&nbsp;is a pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year, in contrast to Hajj, which has specific dates according to the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Umrah&nbsp;usually attracts millions of Muslims from across the globe each year. Authorities said the Umrah&nbsp;will be allowed to return to full capacity once the threat of the pandemic has abated.

Saudi Arabia closed its borders in February to foreign&nbsp;Umrah&nbsp;pilgrims, and in March stopped its own citizens and residents from taking part. In July, it allowed a limited number of domestic pilgrims to perform the Hajj.

Saudi Arabia allows worshippers from foreign countries to perform the Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca starting on Sunday (November 1) as the kingdom relaxes measures it had taken to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Saudi Arabia allows worshippers from foreign countries to perform the Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca starting on Sunday (November 1) as the kingdom relaxes measures it had taken to curb the spread of the coronavirus. According to Amr Al-Maddah, deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, ''The pilgrims must isolate for three days after arrival before being transported to religious sites.'' Al-Maddah said the testing of pilgrims, who are all 50 years old or younger, for COVID-19 will be continuous and any cases detected will be closely monitored. The revered Black Stone in the Kaaba, which is customary but not mandatory to touch during the pilgrimage, will be out of reach. The Grand Mosque is to be sterilised before and after each group of worshippers. Thermal sensors have been installed to measure the body temperature of pilgrims, Mecca authorities said. Umrah is a pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year, in contrast to Hajj, which has specific dates according to the Islamic lunar calendar. The Umrah usually attracts millions of Muslims from across the globe each year. Authorities said the Umrah will be allowed to return to full capacity once the threat of the pandemic has abated. Saudi Arabia closed its borders in February to foreign Umrah pilgrims, and in March stopped its own citizens and residents from taking part. In July, it allowed a limited number of domestic pilgrims to perform the Hajj.

Saudi Arabia allows foreign pilgrims to enter for Umrah pilgrimage

Watch this week's West Asia Post as we take a look at how people turned to faith in various parts of West Asia even during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The West Asia Post: Praying in times of COVID-19

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced that it will allow&nbsp;pilgrims residing inside the country to undertake the Umrah&nbsp;pilgrimage beginning on October&nbsp;4.

The&nbsp;pilgrimage had been halted for the past seven months&nbsp;due to coronavirus concerns, state news agency SPA reported.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/disinfectants-masks-online-selection-hajj-2020-begins-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-316716">Disinfectants, masks, online selection: Hajj 2020 begins amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

Umrah&nbsp;is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina undertaken any time of the year, attracting 19 million people last year. Saudi Arabia had instituted a freeze on&nbsp;umrah&nbsp;in March.

It will now allow 6,000 citizens and residents inside the kingdom to perform&nbsp;umrah&nbsp;daily, representing 30 per cent&nbsp;of a revised capacity of 20,000 that takes into account precautionary health measures, SPA added. That will expand to 75&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of capacity on Octember&nbsp;18.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/lessons-gulf-states-have-learned-from-coronavirus-pandemic-301605">Lessons Gulf states have learned from coronavirus pandemic</a>

Beginning November&nbsp;1, Saudi Arabia will allow visitors from specific countries deemed safe to perform&nbsp;umrah&nbsp;at 100&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of the revised capacity, until the end of the pandemic, SPA said.

This year, Saudi Arabia conducted a limited haj, the larger pilgrimage that usually attracts around 3 million people, for a few thousand citizens and residents.

According the official data,&nbsp;haj and&nbsp;umrah&nbsp;earn the kingdom about $12 billion annually.

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia reported 330,798 total cases of coronavirus and 4,542 deaths, as cases in the Gulf region topped 800,000.

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced that it will allow pilgrims residing inside the country to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage beginning on October 4. The pilgrimage had been halted for the past seven months due to coronavirus concerns, state news agency SPA reported.

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced that it will allow pilgrims residing inside the country to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage beginning on October 4. The pilgrimage had been halted for the past seven months due to coronavirus concerns, state news agency SPA reported. Also see: Disinfectants, masks, online selection: Hajj 2020 begins amid coronavirus pandemic Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina undertaken any time of the year, attracting 19 million people last year. Saudi Arabia had instituted a freeze on umrah in March. It will now allow 6,000 citizens and residents inside the kingdom to perform umrah daily, representing 30 per cent of a revised capacity of 20,000 that takes into account precautionary health measures, SPA added. That will expand to 75 per cent of capacity on Octember 18. Also read: Lessons Gulf states have learned from coronavirus pandemic Beginning November 1, Saudi Arabia will allow visitors from specific countries deemed safe to perform umrah at 100 per cent of the revised capacity, until the end of the pandemic, SPA said. This year, Saudi Arabia conducted a limited haj, the larger pilgrimage that usually attracts around 3 million people, for a few thousand citizens and residents. According the official data, haj and umrah earn the kingdom about $12 billion annually. On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia reported 330,798 total cases of coronavirus and 4,542 deaths, as cases in the Gulf region topped 800,000.

Saudi Arabia to gradually resume Umrah pilgrimage from October 4

As many as 120 Umrah pilgrims who were scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia on February 27, were forced to turn back from the Rajiv Gandhi International (RGI) Airport as Saudi authorities have temporarily halted the entry of pilgrims to the country in the wake of rising cases of coronavirus across the world.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-govt-cancels-all-visaevisa-issued-to-italy-iran-south-korea-and-japan-nationals-284028">Coronavirus: Govt cancels all visa/eVisa issued to Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan nationals&nbsp;</a>

Tayyab Wasif, MD of a tour and travel agency, told ANI that the flights have been suspended by Saudi authorities and so far no update has been provided.

"120 persons who were going there for the Umrah pilgrimage on February 27 were stopped at the airport and sent back. All of them have booked their tickets from different travels. Till now no update has been given to the pilgrims. It is being said that Saudi authorities may allow pilgrims after March 15," said Tayyab.

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Amberpet resident Syed Shafath Matheen, who was scheduled to fly to Saudi Arabia last week for Umrah, said: "On February 27, I was scheduled to go to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.

I reached the RGI Airport as per schedule but was informed that Saudi Arabia is not allowing Umrah pilgrims in the wake of coronavirus cases across the world. So with no option left, I returned to my residence.

Till now no update has been provided to me by the authorities." Syed Amjad Hussain Sultan, another Umrah pilgrim, was scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia along with his wife and daughter on February 27 but along with other passengers, they were also sent back from the airport.

As many as 120 Umrah pilgrims who were scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia on February 27, were forced to turn back from the Rajiv Gandhi International (RGI) Airport as Saudi authorities have temporarily halted the entry of pilgrims to the country in the wake of rising cases of coronavirus across the world.

As many as 120 Umrah pilgrims who were scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia on February 27, were forced to turn back from the Rajiv Gandhi International (RGI) Airport as Saudi authorities have temporarily halted the entry of pilgrims to the country in the wake of rising cases of coronavirus across the world. Also Read: Coronavirus: Govt cancels all visa/eVisa issued to Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan nationals Tayyab Wasif, MD of a tour and travel agency, told ANI that the flights have been suspended by Saudi authorities and so far no update has been provided. "120 persons who were going there for the Umrah pilgrimage on February 27 were stopped at the airport and sent back. All of them have booked their tickets from different travels. Till now no update has been given to the pilgrims. It is being said that Saudi authorities may allow pilgrims after March 15," said Tayyab. Also read: Man dined at luxury hotel in Delhi tests positive for Covid-19 Amberpet resident Syed Shafath Matheen, who was scheduled to fly to Saudi Arabia last week for Umrah, said: "On February 27, I was scheduled to go to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. I reached the RGI Airport as per schedule but was informed that Saudi Arabia is not allowing Umrah pilgrims in the wake of coronavirus cases across the world. So with no option left, I returned to my residence. Till now no update has been provided to me by the authorities." Syed Amjad Hussain Sultan, another Umrah pilgrim, was scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia along with his wife and daughter on February 27 but along with other passengers, they were also sent back from the airport.

Coronavirus outbreak: 120 Umrah pilgrims turned back from RGI Airport in Hyderabad

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday performed Umrah with his wife Bushra Bibi.

While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-planning-bigger-attack-than-balakot-imran-khan-in-pok-assembly-243024">Imran Khan</a> donned an ihram (the sacred dress of Muslim pilgrims), Bibi was seen covered in a&nbsp;burqa from head to toe. Both were seen holding hands while performing Umrah.

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Prime Minister Imran Khan preformed Umrah, the doors of the Holy Kaaba were also opened for PM Imran and his delegation. 
PM Khan and his delegation were bestowed with the opportunity of going inside Holy Kaaba, they prayed for the people of Kashmir and Muslim world there. <a href="https://t.co/1AndkPSbvw">pic.twitter.com/1AndkPSbvw</a>
— PTI Multan (@PTIOfficialMTN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIOfficialMTN/status/1174984179127345152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-little-to-cheer-in-pakistan-pm-imran-khans-first-year-238649">Pakistan Prime Minister</a> is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia to muster support from the Islamic nation on the Kashmir issue.

In Saudi Arabia, Khan met the Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and discussed Kashmir apart from trade, investment, and economic relations.

This is the second time that Khan and his third wife have performed Umrah. Last year, the cricketer-turned-politician married his spiritual advisor.

In May, Khan went on an 'Umrah' pilgrimage to Mecca with the First Lady during his visit to Saudi Arabia for the 14th Summit of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday performed Umrah with his wife Bushra Bibi. While Imran Khan donned an ihram (the sacred dress of Muslim pilgrims), Bibi was seen covered in a burqa from head to toe.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday performed Umrah with his wife Bushra Bibi. While Imran Khan donned an ihram (the sacred dress of Muslim pilgrims), Bibi was seen covered in a burqa from head to toe. Both were seen holding hands while performing Umrah. Prime Minister Imran Khan preformed Umrah, the doors of the Holy Kaaba were also opened for PM Imran and his delegation. PM Khan and his delegation were bestowed with the opportunity of going inside Holy Kaaba, they prayed for the people of Kashmir and Muslim world there. pic.twitter.com/1AndkPSbvw — PTI Multan (@PTIOfficialMTN) September 20, 2019 × The Pakistan Prime Minister is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia to muster support from the Islamic nation on the Kashmir issue. In Saudi Arabia, Khan met the Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and discussed Kashmir apart from trade, investment, and economic relations. This is the second time that Khan and his third wife have performed Umrah. Last year, the cricketer-turned-politician married his spiritual advisor. In May, Khan went on an 'Umrah' pilgrimage to Mecca with the First Lady during his visit to Saudi Arabia for the 14th Summit of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Pakistan PM Imran Khan visits Mecca, performs Umrah with wife

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