Saudi Arabia resumes prayers at Mecca’s Grand Mosque

Saudi Arabia is allowing its citizens and residents living the kingdom to perform everyday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam, for the first time in seven months.

Sunday also signalled the commencement of the second phase of the progressive return of citizens and residents to performing the Umrah – an Islamic pilgrimage to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina undertaken any time of the year – increasing the capacity to 75 percent.

Saudi Arabia had suspended in March all Friday prayers and daily prayers in mosques across the Kingdom as a COVID-19 precaution.