Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The first batch of pilgrims arrived on Saturday (Dhu Al-Hijjah 7) at the Grand Holy Mosque in Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Qudum (Tawaf of Arrival) amid huge preparations made by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.

The General Presidency has harnessed all its capabilities to serve pilgrims along with the implementation of COVID-19 precautionary measures.

The Director of Crowds Department at the Grand Holy Mosque Osama Al-Hujaili said that all preparations have been completed to receive pilgrims who will perform Tawaf of Arrival on Dhu Al-Hijjah 7, adding that different locations accommodating 11,000 pilgrims have been prepared to organize the entry to the Tawaf (circumambulation) area.

Al-Hujaili also said that over 500 employees have taken part in receiving pilgrims since early morning from the three gathering centers. He added that Al-Marwah Gate is designated for departure after completing the Tawaf, to ensure the implementation of social distancing.