Qatari pilgrims in Saudi for Haj

RIYADH: Qatari Haj pilgrims began to enter Saudi Arabia on Thursday, Saudi media reported, as Riyadh reopened the border in a move cautiously welcomed by Doha. The Salwa border crossing, a key passage for pilgrims on the annual Haj, has been closed since June. Around 120 Qataris entered Saudi territory on Thursday through the Salwa border, also known as Abu Samrah, Saudi state television reported, after King Salman called for the border to be opened for pilgrims without electronic permits. He also ordered that private jets belonging to Saudi airlines be sent to Doha airport “to bring all Qatari pilgrims at his expense”, SPA announced.