Al-Fajr prayers were held in Saudi Arabia's Grand Mosque

Muscat: On Sunday, Al-Fajr prayer was held at Saudi Arabia's Grand Mosque. The prayers were held after the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia decided to allow prayers to be performed at the Grand Mosque for the first time in seven months. 

A statement issued online by Oman News Agency (ONA) said, "This comes with the start of the second phase of the gradual return to Umrah from within the Kingdom at 75 per cent of the capacity, according to the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus."

"The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and Al Masjid An Nabawi and the Ministry of Health raised the level of readiness and all preparations for the service of pilgrims in addition to applying all precautionary measures, and using all technical systems and electronic programs."

 "The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Al Masjid An Nabawi announced on Saturday that 220 thousand pilgrims and 560 thousand worshipers will be received, starting today, Sunday, throughout the second phase of the gradual return to performing the Umrah, which will continue over a period of 14 days. "

"On 22nd September, an approval was issued which allowed Umrah and visitation to be performed gradually, while taking necessary health precautions, through the four stages," the statement added