The first phase will begin on October 4, with international visitors expected to be allowed from November
Those wishing to perform Umrah will reportedly require a Covid-19 negative test
Saudi Arabia has dramatically downsized the ritual because of the coronavirus pandemic, with authorities testing pilgrims and cutting their numbers from the usual 2 million to around 1,000
Earlier, Oman had announced a five-day holiday from July 30 until August 3
Only about 1,000 pilgrims – all from inside Saudi Arabia – have been permitted to perform Hajj this year
Public offices will be closed from Thursday, July 30 to Sunday, August 2
A fine of SAR10,000 shall be imposed on violators, and doubled if repeated
Public and private sector workers in the country are expected to receive three days of leave to mark Eid Adha
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments will extend the validity of expired licences until December 2020
More than 220,000 people from the country were expected to participate in this year’s Hajj
The move comes as the kingdom launches PR campaign with influencers on social media
The Saudi government has said that its measures have ensured that pilgrims are safe and secure.