DDHK. ORG - Heavy rains have flushed Makkah in the last few days. This makes it easy for pilgrims to perform Umrah with tawaf on Makkah temporarily stopped.
Reporting from Republika, Makkah which was hit by heavy rains on Friday (23/12) causing flash floods which drowned many cars. However, there were no casualties in the incident.
"A plan has been drawn up to keep Umrah pilgrims safe during the rains," said the deputy head of crowd management at the Grand Mosque, Riad Al Hazami as reported by Gulf News on Monday (26/12).
To television Saudi Al Ekhbariya he said the pilgrimage group in the courtyard had been suspended.
"They were moved to a place of circumcision on the ground floor and first floor of the mosque," he added.
In recent months, Saudi Arabia has launched a series of facilities for Muslims wishing to perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque and visit religious sites in the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia issued four million visas to Muslims abroad to perform Umrah since the start of the current season in July.
The issuance was made as part of the ministry's efforts to partner with other sectors in Saudi Arabia to facilitate the arrival of Umrah pilgrims and have access to high-quality services.
Muslims who hold various types of entry visas such as personal, visit and tourism visas are permitted to perform Umrah in the Grand Mosque and visit Al Rawda Al Sharifa, where the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is located. Mosque in Medina after ordering e-appointment.
Umrah platform
Saudi Arabia recently launched an electronic platform, which is designed to facilitate access to Umrah services including visits to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
The nuusuk.sa platform enables Muslims wishing to perform Umrah or visit holy places to obtain the necessary visas and permits and order related packages electronically.
Saudi authorities have also extended Umrah visas from 30 days to 90 days and allowed holders to enter the kingdom through all land, air and sea outlets.
Saudi Arabia said earlier this month that its citizens could apply to invite their friends abroad to visit the kingdom and perform Umrah.
The Saudi foreign ministry said nationals can apply for personal visit visas through the e-visa platform, which allows holders to perform Umrah and move across the kingdom including religious and historical sites. [DDHK News]
