Saudi Arabia to Allow Mosques to Open for Friday Prayers

Worshippers perform Eid prayers at the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Worshippers perform Eid prayers at the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia to Allow Mosques to Open for Friday Prayers

Worshippers perform Eid prayers at the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Worshippers perform Eid prayers at the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia will allow mosques to open for Friday prayers, state TV reported on Tuesday, as the Kingdom eases restrictions on movement to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Mosques will be authorized to open 20 minutes before Friday prayers and should close 20 minutes after they finish, state TV said on Twitter, citing the ministry of Islamic affairs.

Saudi authorities said on Monday that restrictions would be lifted in three phases, culminating in a curfew ending - with the exception of the holy city of Makkah - from June 21.

The Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, which attract millions of travellers from around the world, will remain suspended until further notice.



Sixth Saudi Relief Plane Departs for Syria with Essential Aid Supplies

Sixth Saudi relief plane departs for Syria with essential aid supplies. (SPA)
Sixth Saudi relief plane departs for Syria with essential aid supplies. (SPA)
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Sixth Saudi Relief Plane Departs for Syria with Essential Aid Supplies

Sixth Saudi relief plane departs for Syria with essential aid supplies. (SPA)
Sixth Saudi relief plane departs for Syria with essential aid supplies. (SPA)

The sixth relief plane, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), left on Sunday the King Khalid International Airport bound for Damascus International Airport, carrying food, shelter, and medical supplies.
The assistance provides help for the Syrian people in their critical circumstances and reaffirms Saudi Arabia's longstanding support for the brotherly and friendly countries in times of crisis.