Saudi Arabia will organize pilgrimage to Mecca this year under special conditions to guard against COVID-19

Muslims maintaining social distancing pray in the Grand Mosque for the first time in months since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions were imposed, after they were allowed by the Saudi authorities, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia October 18, 2020. Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS

Last year, Saudi Arabia allowed a limited number of domestic pilgrim to perform the Haj

Maher Chmaytelli, Reuters News

May 9, 2021

PHOTO
Muslims maintaining social distancing pray in the Grand Mosque for the first time in months since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions were imposed, after they were allowed by the Saudi authorities, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia October 18, 2020. Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS

DUBAI- Saudi Arabia will organize the pilgrimage to Mecca this year, but under special conditions to guard against the spread of COVID-19, state TV reported on Sunday.

"The mechanism and conditions for holding the Hajj this year will be announced later," it said, citing the ministry of pilgrimage.

Last year, Saudi Arabia allowed a limited number of domestic pilgrim to perform the Haj.

(Reporting by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Toby Chopra) ((maher.chmaytelli@thomsonreuters.com;))