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The increase is significant. Only 58,745 people, all living in Saudi Arabia and drawn by lot, were able to participate in the hajj last year. They were only a thousand in 2020. This year, the Saudi authorities will let a million people take part in the pilgrimage to Mecca, the fifth pillar of Islam.
Most Covid-imposed limits were lifted in the Kingdom last month. This marked increase in the number of pilgrims illustrates this, even if it reminds Arab News, the influx regularly exceeded two million before the pandemic. Pilgrims must be under 65 years of age and vaccinated, in addition to presenting a negative PCR test seventy-two hours before departure.
The Hajj will take place between July 7 and July 12.