For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, the Grand Mosque of Makkah in Saudi Arabia was packed to capacity on Sunday (17 October), with worshippers praying shoulder to shoulder. In addition, the workers also removed marking on the floor which guided people to do social distance around the Grand Mosque.
According to an official Saudi Press Agency, “This is in line with the decision to ease precautionary measures and to allow pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque at full capacity.”
Furthermore, for the first time since the Covid-19 outbreak hit last year, pictures and video from Sunday morning showed people praying side by side, establishing straight rows of believers that are cherished in performing prayers.
The authorities have said that the visitors must be properly vaccinated against coronavirus and must continue to wear masks on mosque grounds, despite the lifting of social distancing regulations. The Holy Kaaba, meanwhile, remained sealed off and out of reach.
In August, Saudi Arabia stated that it would begin allowing vaccinated foreigners for the Umrah pilgrimage. The Umrah can be performed at any time and attracts millions of people from all over the world, as does the annual Hajj, which all Muslims with the financial means are required to conduct at least once in their lives.
Only about 60,000 vaccinated residents could participate in a drastically reduced version of the traditional Hajj in July. The Covid-19 outbreak caused major disruptions to both pilgrimages, which generate a combined $12 billion in revenue for the country.
In 2019, the once-reclusive kingdom began distributing tourist visas, allowing foreign tourists to do more than just go on pilgrimages, as part of a larger effort to improve its international image and diversify its revenue.
Saudi Arabia issued 400,000 visas between September 2019 and March 2020, only for the epidemic to halt that momentum as borders were closed. However, the country is gradually opening, and international tourists who have been vaccinated have been welcomed since August 1.
According to SPA, properly immunized sports fans will be allowed to attend events at all stadiums and other sporting venues beginning Sunday. It further stated that masks are no longer required in most open settings. Over 547,000 coronavirus cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia, with 8,760 deaths.
