Saudi Arabia to organise Hajj under special conditions

Saudi Arabia will organise Hajj this year but under special conditions to guard against the spread of Covid-19, the kingdom's state TV reported yesterday.

"The mechanism and conditions for holding Hajj this year will be announced later," it said, citing the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

A spokesperson of the ministry on Sunday said, "Health authorities in KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia] continue to assess the situation and are taking all measures to ensure the safety of all."

During a press conference, the spokesperson also said further details on the operational plans for this year's Hajj will be announced "at a later time," reports alarabia.net.

Last year, Saudi Arabia only allowed a limited number of pilgrims living in the country and those who met certain criteria to participate in the Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam and required for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime.