(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Ayeni Olusegun |
The Peninsula
Umrah pilgrims have increased significantly and are almost back to the pre-pandemic level, The Peninsula has learned.
Travellers arriving in Saudi Arabia no longer have to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. They also do not need to take a PCR test before departure for the Kingdom, nor do they need to quarantine when they arrive.
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“Now it is a hectic period because people are travelling out of the country. Mostly they are heading to Makkah for Umrah,” Irfan Omer, an industry expert and Operations Manager at Happy Journey Travels, told The Peninsula.
“Now more people can go because Saudi Arabia has removed all the restrictions. Qatar Airways has also increased flights' consistency – daily three to four flights are usually full,” Omer added.
He added that the rise in demand has also made it difficult to book hotels in Makkah for the intending pilgrims.
“Last year, people couldn't go anywhere, and Umrah was mostly closed, but the requests have been almost normal considering pre-pandemic times. Now hotels are difficult to book in Saudi Arabia for those going for Umrah, and sometimes they aren't even available,” Omer said.
Last month, the Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Haj and Umrah announced that people no longer have to book prayer slots online for the two Holy Mosques.
However, pilgrims who want to perform Umrah in Makkah or pray in Madinah's Prophet's Mosque, must book through the Eatmarna or Tawakkalna apps. Saudi authorities had also earlier disclosed that Umrah permits for Ramadan would be available via Eatmarna and Tawakkalna apps.
The Umrah is a pilgrimage to Islam's holiest site in Makkah and can be performed at any time of the year. It is distinct from the Haj, which takes place once annually.
“We understand how difficult it has been for Muslims worldwide to perform Umrah during the pandemic. We are delighted to be able to welcome back the 25 percent of the world's population who adhere to the Muslim faith and for whom a pilgrimage to the Holy Mosque in Makkah is a lifetime dream,” H E Tawfiq Al Rabiah, Minister of Haj and Umrah was quoted in a press statement.
“Performing Umrah though lesser than Haj, is highly recommended, and observing it during Ramadan is like more blessing,” Abubakar, a prospective Umrah pilgrim, said.
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