In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, preparations are underway to receive the Guests of the Almighty for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The Hajj will commence in just under three weeks. The Saudi Gazette reports that all the relevant agencies have almost completed their arrangements to receive pilgrims in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

According to the Saudi Gazette, roads have been repaired and tents have been set up at the holy sites. The pedestrian routes to the Jamarat are being touched up, as are the entry and exit points of Mina. Check points at different entrances to the holy city of Makkah have been established, to restrict entry into Makkah and the holy sites. Veterinary teams will ensure that livestock being transported to the holy city are of sound health.

The Saudi Gazette reports that in the holy city of Madinah, the Ministry of Finance has completed 90 percent of the project covering an area of about 95,000 square meters on the western courtyards of the Prophet’s (Peace Be Upon Him) Mosque. Sound and electronic systems are currently being linked between the Prophet’s (Peace Be Upon Him) Mosque and the courtyard.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, only 10,000 pilgrims, 70 percent of whom will be foreigners residing in the Kingdom, and 30 percent, Saudis, will be performing Hajj this year.

Umm Muhammed Umar