Saudi Arabia to re-open for Umra pilgrimage next month

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to resume a Muslim pilgrimage which has been suspended for seven months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Up to 6,000 Saudi citizens and residents will be allowed to undertake the Umra each day, with effect from October 4th. However, pilgrims from countries deemed safe will be permitted to do the same from 1 November, when the daily capacity will rise to 20,000.

The Umra is an extra, optional pilgrimage that can be undertaken any time of the year.

Although it includes some of the rituals of the most important pilgrimage, the Hajj, they are shortened and there are fewer of them.