“As of October 10, the permission to perform Umrah and pray in Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi will be limited to those who have received 2 doses of the coronavirus vaccine accepted in the country,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry added that all protective measures taken against the coronavirus pandemic are constantly evaluated by the Public Health Institution in accordance with the developments in the course of the epidemic.

On 27 February 2020, Saudi Arabia announced a temporary suspension of entry for Muslims wanting to perform the Umrah pilgrimage in the Great Mosque of Mecca or to visit the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. On 5 March, further precautionary measures were taken regarding the safety of the Islamic holy sites, including temporary daily closure of the Great Mosque for sterilization purposes. On 19 March, Saudi Arabia suspended the holding of daily prayers and the Friday prayers in and outside the two mosques in Mecca and Medina to limit the spread of coronavirus. Similar measures were carried out across the country during the same week. On 20 March, Saudi Arabia suspended entry and praying to the general public at the two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

On 30 May 2020, Saudi Arabia announced that mosques will start to re-open from 31 May, except for the Great Mosque of Mecca.

The state television announced on 19 June that mosques in Mecca will be allowed to reopen from 21 June “if they follow preventative health measures against COVID-19”. (ILKHA)