According to Arab News, the number of people coming to Mecca from all over the world is increasing. After which 60,000 people will be able to offer five daily prayers in Masjid Al-Haram and 19,500 pilgrims will be allowed to visit the Holy Prophet’s grave.
According to Al-Arabiya News, in the third phase, the age limit of those coming from abroad for Umrah has been set from 18 to 50 years. These construction workers will have to submit a PCR test as proof of being immune to the coronavirus. This report should be issued by Saudi government approved laboratories among the pilgrims coming for Umrah and the report should be prepared 72 hours before the trip.
Pilgrims going for Umrah from abroad must also bring proof of accommodation booking with three meals a day.
During the three days of isolation, Umrah pilgrims will be informed about the precautionary measures, which they will ensure to follow with utmost responsibility from their arrival to Saudi Arabia.
According to the official spokesperson, 600 electric vehicles and 5000 wheelchairs have been allocated for the pilgrims. Which will be supervised by 120 personnel and continuous sanitization of these accessories will continue.
33 teams have been formed to work round-the-clock on the sanitization of Masjid al-Haram, its outer courtyards and toilet areas. During this time, 2500 liters of environmentally friendly chemicals will be used daily.
Similarly, there are more than 300 automatic devices that will sanitize hands through sensors. They will consume 1000 liters of material per day.
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**Interview with Ahmed Al-Fahad, Pilgrimage Coordinator**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Ahmed. It’s such an exciting time as 20,000 pilgrims are set to embark on their Umrah journey in Makkah. Can you tell us what preparations have been made to accommodate this influx of worshippers?
**Ahmed Al-Fahad:** Thank you for having me. Yes, we are thrilled to welcome 20,000 pilgrims from across the globe. The Kingdom has put in place extensive health and safety protocols, including increased sanitation measures at the Holy sites and the provision of medical services to ensure everyone’s well-being. We’ve also enhanced coordination with travel agencies to help streamline the arrival process.
**Editor:** That sounds very reassuring. Given the diverse backgrounds of the pilgrims, how is the experience being tailored to meet the needs of various groups?
**Ahmed Al-Fahad:** We always aim to create a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. This year, we are providing multilingual guides and materials to assist pilgrims in their religious rites. We’re also offering cultural exchange programs that allow pilgrims to learn about Saudi traditions, enhancing their overall experience.
**Editor:** With the ongoing global health concerns, what measures are in place to ensure the safety of the pilgrims?
**Ahmed Al-Fahad:** Health and safety remain our top priority. We are strictly following guidelines from health authorities, including mandatory health checks upon arrival. Social distancing measures will be enforced within the sacred sites, and we encourage pilgrims to wear masks and use hand sanitizers regularly.
**Editor:** This is a momentous occasion for many. What message do you want to convey to the pilgrims participating in Umrah this year?
**Ahmed Al-Fahad:** I would like to extend a warm welcome to all pilgrims. This journey holds immense spiritual significance, and we encourage everyone to embrace this sacred experience fully. Remember to take care of one another and follow the guidelines in place; your safety is paramount.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Ahmed. We wish all the pilgrims a blessed and safe Umrah journey.
**Ahmed Al-Fahad:** Thank you for having me!
