Covid-19 pandemic: Saudi Arabia to hold ‘very limited’ Haj this year

On Monday, Saudi Arabia said it would hold a “very limited” Haj this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic; pilgrims already in the country will be allowed to take part in the religious event.

Full of political and financial consequences, the decision comes as the oil-rich nation strives to control the virus amid a new rise in everyday cases and deaths.  

“It was decided to hold the pilgrimage this year with very limited numbers… with different nationalities in the kingdom,” the official Saudi Press Agency said, citing the Haj ministry.