Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has revealed that it will open the booking for Umrah from July 19 after the completion of this year’s Hajj season.

The ministry stated that people wishing to perform Umrah will be able to book an appointment starting from Tuesday, Dhul Hijjah 20.

The ministry decided to limit the performance of Umrah at present to only Hajj pilgrims so as to facilitate the rituals for them and to reduce overcrowding in addition to maintaining their safety.

Umrah will continue to be performed only by the Hajj pilgrims until Tuesday, 20 Dhul Hijjah 1443 AH, the ministry said.

It is noteworthy that the ministry has announced the success of the grouping plan for pilgrims after more than 90 percent of them threw pebbles at the Jamarat. The pilgrims, who were in a hurry, left Mina on the second day of Tashreeq on Monday for the Grand Mosque to perform the last Hajj rites, Tawaf Al-Wida (farewell circumambulation) after performing the stoning ritual at the three Jamarat pillars, symbolizing Satan.