Saudi Arabia lifts limits on Haj pilgrimage
Published: 04:01 PM,Jan 10,2023 | EDITED : 08:01 PM,Jan 10,2023
An aerial view shows the Grand Mosque during the annual haj pilgrimage. -- Reuters
Saudi Arabia is lifting restrictions imposed on the Muslim Haj pilgrimage this year, after the coronavirus pandemic forced a downsizing of the annual event for three years.
In 2019, the last year before the pandemic struck, some 2.6 million people performed the Haj. The kingdom allowed only limited numbers from its residents in 2020 and 2021 before it welcomed back one million foreign pilgrims in 2022.
The Ministry of Haj and Umrah said in a tweet that the kingdom, home to Islam’s holiest sites in Mecca and Medina, will impose no restrictions, including age limits, for this season.
RIYADH
In 2019, the last year before the pandemic struck, some 2.6 million people performed the Haj. The kingdom allowed only limited numbers from its residents in 2020 and 2021 before it welcomed back one million foreign pilgrims in 2022.
The Ministry of Haj and Umrah said in a tweet that the kingdom, home to Islam’s holiest sites in Mecca and Medina, will impose no restrictions, including age limits, for this season.
RIYADH