MECCA: Haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia yesterday headed to the Kaaba in Mecca to perform the final “tawaf,” or circumambulation ritual – when Muslims walk around the Kaaba seven times – as the final day of this year’s Haj nears completion under strict coronavirus precautionary measures.
The pilgrims were transported from the area of Mina to first complete the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual where they hurl pebbles at a wall.
They are then set to visit the Grand Mosque in Mecca, where they will perform “tawaf” in their designated groups in an effort to avoid any spread of the virus or other health risks.
Upon completion, some of the pilgrims will be transported to the hotel for self-isolation while others will return to their hometowns where they are required to quarantine for 14 days, according to an Al Arabiya correspondent.
The Commander of the Grand Mosque’s Security Special Forces, Major General Yahya bin Abdulrahman Al Aqil, told the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that all necessary precautions and arrangements have been completed and the Grand Mosque is prepared to receive the pilgrims for a final visit.
“We are working to implement the approved plans to make this year’s Haj pilgrimage successful in accordance with preventative and precautionary measures from the arrival of the pilgrims to Mecca up until they complete the farewell tawaf,” Al Aqil was quoted by SPA as saying.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi opened a field clinic to select eligible volunteers to participate in the third phase of the clinical trials for the coronavirus vaccine its authorities developed in partnership with a Chinese pharmaceutical group, the emirate’s media office said.
Abu Dhabi had announced in mid-July that it had started the “world’s first World Health Organisation (WHO) listed” Phase III trial of Sinopharm CNBG’s inactivated vaccine to combat Covid-19 in collaboration with China.
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