Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — More than 7.5 million people have performed Umrah and prayed at the Grand Mosque since the resumption of Umrah service and prayers on Oct. 4, said the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the presidency said out of the total 7.5 million pilgrims and worshipers, Umrah performers accounted for 1,934,000, while the number of worshipers reached 5,480,000 during the period between Oct. 4, 2020, the day of the beginning of the first phase of resumption of Umrah service, and Jan. 30 2021.

Eng. Osama Al-Hujaili, director of the general department for crowd management and grouping at the presidency, said that the presidency has mobilized all its resources to serve the pilgrims and provide them with a safe and healthy environment. “With the beginning of the third phase of Umrah resumption on Nov. 1, special paths have been created near the Holy Kaaba to facilitate the elderly and people with special needs to perform their rituals with ease.

The 155-long first path has been designated for 45 wheelchair pilgrims where Tawaf (circumambulation around the Kaaba) takes 10 to 15 minutes while the 145-long second path, which is closest to the Holy Kaaba and it accommodates 50 people, has been set aside for the elderly, who do not need wheelchairs,” he added.