Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday it will hold a “very limited” Hajj this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, to ensure that the annual pilgrimage is performed in a “safe manner”.
“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 on Monday, citing the Hajj and Umrah Ministry.
People already living in the kingdom will be allowed to take part in the pilgrimage that begins in late July and traditionally draws around 2 million Muslims from around the world.
The decision came in light of the spread of Coronavirus across the globe, the increase of the virus death toll, the lack of a vaccine and cure, and the difficulties of maintain safe social distancing among the individuals gathered.
It followed weeks of consideration on whether Saudi Arabia would cancel the annual pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, which generates more than €5.3 million in revenue for the government.