Non-pilgrims permitted to perform Tawaf in Khane-e-Kaaba

Tawaf is allowed for the non-pilgrims daily in three designated periods, says official

Further easing restrictions against Covid-19, Saudi Arabia on Friday announced to allow non-pilgrims to perform the ritual circumambulation (tawaf) around the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Gulf News reported.

A spokesman for the General Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques Hani Haider said that the Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued orders, allowing non-Umrah worshippers to perform the Kaaba encircling on the first floor of the Grand Mosque.

The Tawaf is allowed for the non-pilgrims daily in three designated periods from 7 to 10am, 9-11.59pm, and 12 at midnight to 3am, he added.

Read more: Saudi Arabia allows direct entry from Pakistan, other countries

“This is part of efforts for the gradual return after easing precautions resulting from the coronavirus pandemic,” the official said.

The worshippers are required to book Tawaf appointments via the health app Etamarna, he concluded.

On Thursday, the kingdom said it will allow direct entry to travellers from Pakistan, Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam, Egypt and India from Dec 1, lifting a requirement that they first spend two weeks outside the six countries.

Also read: Saudi Arabia threatens 3-year travel ban for citizens visiting ‘red list’ states

Citing an interior ministry official, the agency said travellers would have to quarantine for five days in government-approved accommodation after arriving, regardless of their Covid-19 vaccination status.

On Oct 16, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the easing of restrictions across the kingdom, including those affecting the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s (PBUH) Mosque in Madina, allowing a full return to operations and capacity.

The kingdom lifted social distancing measures and allowed full-capacity attendance at the country's two Holy Mosques for those who have taken the full dose of vaccines, the ministry added.

The authorities also cancelled curbs on fully vaccinated people at closed venues, gatherings, transportation, restaurants and cinemas.

Masks are no longer mandatory at public open places while still imposed at closed venues, it added.