Saudi to hold 'very limited' hajj over pandemicIn this file photo taken on April 24, 2020, sanitation workers disinfect the area around the Kaaba in Mecca's Grand Mosque. On Monday Saudi Arabia said it will hold a 'limited' hajj this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. RIYADH - Saudi Arabia on Monday announced it would hold a "very limited" hajj this year, with pilgrims already in the kingdom allowed to perform the annual ritual as it moves to curb the coronavirus pandemic. The kingdom's hajj ministry said the pilgrimage will be open to various nationalities already in Saudi Arabia, but it did not specify a number. The announcement to hold a limited hajj could disappoint millions of Muslim pilgrims around the world who often invest their life savings and endure long waiting lists to make the trip.

Source: Bangkok Post June 22, 2020 20:15 UTC