Saudi Arabia will evaluate this year’s extraordinary Haj season which was held amid heightened security and strict coronavirus-related restrictions over the next two weeks, said Haj and Umrah Affairs Ministry under-secretary Dr Hussein Al Sharif.
He said the ministry will compile the lessons learned from the health procedures and logistics of organising this year’s Haj pilgrimage during the Covid-19 pandemic and “start preparations for the next Umrah season,” according to Saudi’s Okaz newspaper.
In late February, Saudi Arabia suspended entry for individuals seeking to perform Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca or visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, as part of the measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.
On March 4, the kingdom also suspended Umrah for its citizens and residents.
This year’s Haj pilgrims concluded all rituals on Sunday.
Two Holy Mosques Affairs president general Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al Sudais announced on Sunday the success of this year’s Haj season and the authorities plan to safeguard the pilgrims and ensure the adherence to strict health precautions necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Health Ministry announced that no pilgrims tested positive for the coronavirus and the security forces confirmed that no one was able to enter the Holy sites in Mecca and Medina without an official permit during the period of Haj.
Saudi Arabia’s authorities allowed only 10,000 residents of the kingdom from different nationalities to perform Haj.
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