Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday it would start allowing pilgrims to perform Umrah in gradual stages, while taking the necessary precautions.

The Ministry of Interior said the decision was made after assessing the developments of Covid-19 and in response to the desire of Muslims around the world to perform the ritual.

The first phase of the gradual return will include allowing citizens and expatriates from within the Kingdom to perform Umrah at a capacity of 30 percent from October 4. This is the equivalent of 6,000 pilgrims per day.

The second phase will increase the capacity of the Grand Mosque to 75 percent, which would include 15,000 pilgrims and 40,000 worshippers a day from October 18.

In the third phase, pilgrims from abroad would be allowed to perform Umrah as of November 1 with at full capacity of 20,000 pilgrims and 60,000 worshippers per day.

Finally, in the fourth stage, the Grand Mosque will return to normal when all the Covid-19 risks have disappeared.

The Ministry of Interior called on all people attending the holy sites to adhere to the preventive measures, wear masks, maintain a safe distance from others, and refrain from physical contact.