Third Saudi Expansion of Grand Mosque in Makkah shut
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, has directed the closure of the Third Saudi Expansion Area of the Grand Mosque in Makkah as part of the precautionary measures being taken to stem the spread of coronavirus, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
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Intending pilgrims asked to download mobile Apps during Hajj
The intending pilgrims have been asked to download five smart phone mobile applications (Apps) for ensuring hassle free Hajj 2020, said official of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
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Only main gates of the Grand Mosque to remain open
Except the main gates, all other gates of the Grand Mosque in the holy city will remain closed, Saudi Press Agency reported citing a directive from Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, chief of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.
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Qadri brush asides halting hajj operation rumours
Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sahibzada Noor-ul-Haq Qadri on Tuesday strongly denied the rumours of halting hajj operations this year. In a statement, he said there is no truth in rumours viral on social media about hajj operation.
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Coronavirus: No decision yet on this year's hajj, says Saudi ambassador
The Saudi Arabian government says it has not decided whether the 2020 hajj will hold or not. Abdullah Ahmad Al Abdan, Saudi ambassador to Senegal, disclosed this during a press conference.
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Egypt redirects funds for free Hajj to aid irregular workers affected by coronavirus
Egypt's Ministry of Endowment said on Monday that it has decided to cancel Hajj (greater pilgrimage) trips that it usually grants its ideal employees every year and redirect the funds to assist Egyptians affected by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Walking areas shut in Mecca over coronavirus
Authorities in Mecca have closed down walking areas in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Okaz newspaper reported. The city’s municipality said the measure is temporary and part of preventive measures aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.
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Hyatt unveils plan to open Makkah luxury hotel in 2025
The Hyatt Hotels Corporation has recently announced that an affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Umm Alqura for the upcoming construction of a Grand Hyatt branded hotel in the holy city of Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Makkah hotels could be used as isolation units in virus fight
JEDDAH: Seven high-end hotels have been offered to Saudi health authorities for possible use as isolation areas for people infected by the novel coronavirus.
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Haramain prayer rugs removed
Prayer rugs spread in the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah have been taken away from the respective premises as a precautionary measure.
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MARA urges hajj contractors not to receive payments
Muscat, The ministry stated that pilgrims should not make any payment to companies unless they are notified of this via the electronic system.
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Prayers at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound suspended over virus
All Muslim prayers at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound will be suspended from Monday until further notice in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus, religious officials said on Sunday.
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