The Saudi Gazette reports that the Hajj and Umrah Terminal at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, preparations to receive foreign Umrah pilgrims have proceeded. This is after an eight month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Adnan Al-Saqqaf, the CEO of the company operating the Hajj and Umrah lounges at the airport, said “We have put in place all preventive arrangements with regard to keeping physical distance between pilgrims inside the terminals as well as at the counters.” Al-Saqqaf added, “The workers are at the highest levels of readiness, despite the fact not many pilgrims are expected to arrive in first batches during the third phase.” He said that the number of pilgrims is expected to increase in a phased manner over a period of time.

According to Al-Saqqaf there are to be a separate entrances and exits for pilgrims. All facilities will be ready to receive pilgrims from next week.

The Saudi Gazette reports that during the third phase of the gradual resumption of the Umrah service, effective from November 1, foreign pilgrims will be allowed to enter the Kingdom. During this phase, around 20 percent of the Grand Mosque in Makkah will be made available to both domestic and foreign pilgrims.

Umm Muhammed Umar