MAKKAH — The mataf (the white marble-paved circumambulating area around the Holy Kaaba) at the Grand Mosque in Makkah is witnessing a rare scene of nearly empty of pilgrims and worshipers on Tuesday, Dhul Qada 1, corresponding to April 29. Only a small number of foreign Hajj pilgrims who landed on Tuesday, the first day of the pilgrims' arrival, were seen performing their ritual of tawaf on the day, marking the beginning of the annual Hajj season and end of the Umrah season. Video footage showed a scene in the mataf as it was largely free from the usual crowding. This is caused mainly because of the enforcement of a ban on non-Hajj visa holders to stay in Makkah from April 29 until the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The Grand Mosque will witness a gradual increase in the number of foreign pilgrims over the coming days when pilgrims from several countries start flocking to the holy city undertaking their lifetime spiritual journey. The Saudi authorities have issued directives to impose ban on accommodation for non-Hajj visa holders in Makkah during the Hajj season 2025. The Ministry of Tourism has mandated that from April 29, until the end of the Hajj, all travel and tourist agencies and accommodation facilities in Makkah must not complete booking or check-in procedures for incoming or resident visa holders, except for those who hold a valid Hajj visa or an official permit for work or residency in Makkah during the Hajj season. One week ago, the Directorate of Public Security had imposed a ban for all expatriates, without an official permit, for entering Makkah effective from April 23. All these measures come as part of Saudi Arabia's preparations for the Hajj season. It has implemented a number of arrangements and measures aimed at preserving the safety of pilgrims and enabling them to perform the Hajj rituals in ease and comfort. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that Tuesday was the last day for the Umrah pilgrims to leave the Kingdom. All visa holders, except those with Hajj visas, are prohibited from entering or remaining in Makkah. The ministry had already suspended the issuance of Umrah permits through the Nusuk platform for citizens and expatriates in the Kingdom, and holders of other visas, until Dhul Hijjah 14.
