Saudi Arabia says hajj to be limited to 60,000 in kingdom
Source: Associated Press
Saudi Arabia says hajj to be limited to 60,000 in kingdom
By JON GAMBRELL
June 12, 2021
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Saudi Arabia announced Saturday this years hajj pilgrimage will be limited to no more than 60,000 people, all of them from within the kingdom, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The announcement by the kingdom comes after it ran an incredibly pared-down pilgrimage last year over the virus, but still allowed a small number of the faithful to take part in the annual ceremony.
A statement on the state-run Saudi Press Agency quoted the kingdoms Hajj and Umrah Ministry making the announcement. It said this years hajj, which will begin in mid-July, will be limited to those ages 18 to 65.
Those taking part must be vaccinated as well, the ministry said.
The kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is honored to host pilgrims every year, confirms that this arrangement comes out of its constant concern for the health, safety and security of pilgrims as well as the safety of their countries, the statement said.
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