Saudi Arabia Prepares for Third Phase of Umrah Pilgrimage

Umrah pilgrims are seen at the holy Kaaba in Makkah. (SPA)
Umrah pilgrims are seen at the holy Kaaba in Makkah. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Prepares for Third Phase of Umrah Pilgrimage

Umrah pilgrims are seen at the holy Kaaba in Makkah. (SPA)
Umrah pilgrims are seen at the holy Kaaba in Makkah. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Mohammed Saleh Benten said that the Kingdom welcomes all Muslims coming from abroad to perform the Umrah as authorities kick off the third phase of the resumption of the pilgrimage amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Saudi Arabia has been gradually allowing Umrah pilgrims to resume the rituals, introducing a three-phase plan that adheres to health protocols to ensure their safety throughout their holy journey.

The Kingdom has allowed citizens and residents to start performing Umrah as of Oct.4 at 30 percent capacity, or 6,000 pilgrims a day. It will open for Muslims from abroad starting Nov. 1. The second phase kicked off on Sunday. No virus cases have been reported among the pilgrims.

Benten said that opening the Umrah to foreigners will be the world’s largest event amid the pandemic.

He added that a mobile phone app, “Eatmarna”, will be dedicated to the pilgrims coming from abroad. Each arrival will be tested for the coronavirus and then they will be transported in batches to the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. They will have separate lanes to follow and dedicated locations where they will perform the rituals.

Companies that fly in the Umrah pilgrims from their own countries will be held responsible for ensuring that they implement all health precautions, said Benten.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is coordinating its efforts with the Health Ministry in implementing the third phase of the Umrah.

Benten said the Eatmarna and Tawakkalna apps have greatly helped in monitoring the pilgrims and ensuring their safety within Saudi territories.

He said authorities are closely monitoring the pilgrims before their arrival at the Grand Mosque and they will be followed up even after they complete the Umrah. The minister also hailed the awareness of the pilgrims themselves and their great adherence to the health guidelines, which helped avoid any outbreak.

Head of the Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais said that no virus cases have been reported among the pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia has received praise from home and abroad for its successful organization and health precautions, he added.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Its Commitment to Promoting Global Peace, Security

 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Its Commitment to Promoting Global Peace, Security

 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh - SPA

Saudi Arabia's cabinet reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to promoting global peace and security and emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving international crises. This came during Tuesday's session chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session in Riyadh.
The Cabinet reviewed recent talks held by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with leaders of several brotherly and friendly nations. The discussions, part of ongoing close relations and consultations, focused on various regional and international issues.
The Cabinet expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his positive remarks, conveyed in a phone call with the Crown Prince, regarding Saudi Arabia's role in hosting fruitful talks between Russia and the United States.
Following the session, the Minister of State, Cabinet Member, and Acting Minister of Media, Dr. Essam bin Saad bin Saeed told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the Cabinet reviewed the outcomes of Saudi Arabia's participation in recent regional and international meetings, part of the Kingdom's ongoing support for multilateral efforts that promote sustainable development, prosperity, and address shared global challenges.
The Cabinet expressed hope that the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum will contribute to unifying efforts and developing innovative solutions for enhancing humanitarian response in light of increasing global disasters and crises. The Cabinet highlighted the Kingdom's longstanding commitment to providing aid and relief to those in need worldwide.
The Cabinet commended the success of the first annual global AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, co-organized by Saudi Arabia and the International Monetary Fund. It highlighted the conference's strategic vision, which promotes international cooperation and paves the way for a promising global economic future.
Dr. Bin Saeed stated that the Cabinet deemed the Kingdom's presidency of the World Trade Organization's General Council (2025-2026) as confirmation of its international standing and leadership role in strengthening partnerships and achieving constructive outcomes toward a more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive global trading system.
The Cabinet also noted the broad international participation in the fourth Saudi Media Forum held in Riyadh and the launch of initiatives including programs to enhance media business incubators and accelerators, support financial and regulatory transformation, foster talent development, and adopt modern technologies.