• Pilgrims take a selfie after the symbolic stoning ritual during the Hajj in Mina, near Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah. AP
    Pilgrims take a selfie after the symbolic stoning ritual during the Hajj in Mina, near Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah. AP
  • A woman pilgrim prays after the stoning ritual. AP
    A woman pilgrim prays after the stoning ritual. AP
  • Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar representing the devil, one of several rituals that form part of the annual Hajj. Reuters
    Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar representing the devil, one of several rituals that form part of the annual Hajj. Reuters
  • A pilgrim flings a stone at a pillar symbolising Satan. Reuters
    A pilgrim flings a stone at a pillar symbolising Satan. Reuters
  • An official in Mina, near Makkah, directs a pilgrim during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
    An official in Mina, near Makkah, directs a pilgrim during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
  • Coronavirus hit the Hajj for a second year running. An event that annually attracts about 2. 5 million Muslims from around the world this year is unrecognisable in scale with strict health restrictions in place.
    Coronavirus hit the Hajj for a second year running. An event that annually attracts about 2. 5 million Muslims from around the world this year is unrecognisable in scale with strict health restrictions in place.
  • Pilgrims at prayer after participating in the symbolic stoning of the devil during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
    Pilgrims at prayer after participating in the symbolic stoning of the devil during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
  • A pilgrim during prayer after the stone-throwing ritual.
    A pilgrim during prayer after the stone-throwing ritual.
  • Pilgrims cast stones in a ritual stoning of Satan during Hajj.
    Pilgrims cast stones in a ritual stoning of Satan during Hajj.
  • Pilgrims pray after the stone-throwing ritual in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
    Pilgrims pray after the stone-throwing ritual in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
  • A Hajj pilgrim in Mina, near Makkah, casts a stone at a pillar representing Satan.
    A Hajj pilgrim in Mina, near Makkah, casts a stone at a pillar representing Satan.
  • Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar symbolising Satan during the annual Hajj.
    Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar symbolising Satan during the annual Hajj.
  • A pilgrim prays after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
    A pilgrim prays after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
  • A worker distributes free water from the holy well of Zamzam to pilgrims.
    A worker distributes free water from the holy well of Zamzam to pilgrims.
  • A Saudi policewoman, Samar, stands in front of the Kaaba.
    A Saudi policewoman, Samar, stands in front of the Kaaba.
  • A pilgrim casts stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
    A pilgrim casts stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
  • Pilgrims throw stones at pillars symbolising Satan during Hajj in Mina, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
    Pilgrims throw stones at pillars symbolising Satan during Hajj in Mina, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Pilgrims have their heads shaved on the second day of Eid Al Adha after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
    Pilgrims have their heads shaved on the second day of Eid Al Adha after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
  • Pilgrims, keeping social distancing and wearing protective masks, cast stones at pillars symbolising Satan.
    Pilgrims, keeping social distancing and wearing protective masks, cast stones at pillars symbolising Satan.
  • Pilgrims pray on top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near Makkah.
    Pilgrims pray on top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near Makkah.
  • Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat during Hajj.
    Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat during Hajj.
  • A pilgrim prays in front of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the plain of Arafat, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
    A pilgrim prays in front of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the plain of Arafat, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Pilgrims gather around Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal Al Rahma, or the Mountain of Mercy.
    Pilgrims gather around Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal Al Rahma, or the Mountain of Mercy.
  • Muslim pilgrims at Mount Arafat.
    Muslim pilgrims at Mount Arafat.
  • Vaccinated pilgrims performing Hajj.
    Vaccinated pilgrims performing Hajj.
  • Pilgrims shelter from the sun under an umbrella.
    Pilgrims shelter from the sun under an umbrella.
  • Participants remained socially distanced and wore masks as the coronavirus took its toll on the Hajj for a second year running.
    Participants remained socially distanced and wore masks as the coronavirus took its toll on the Hajj for a second year running.
  • Officials replace the covering cloth of the Kaaba.
    Officials replace the covering cloth of the Kaaba.
  • Aerial view of the Mina area during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in the holy city of Makkah.
    Aerial view of the Mina area during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in the holy city of Makkah.
  • The Kaaba is covered with the Kiswa cloth.
    The Kaaba is covered with the Kiswa cloth.
  • Another view of the Mina area.
    Another view of the Mina area.
  • Pilgrims must be under 65 and without a chronic disease.
    Pilgrims must be under 65 and without a chronic disease.
  • Rules for the 2021 Hajj allow for a maximum of 60,000 citizens and residents Saudi Arabia.
    Rules for the 2021 Hajj allow for a maximum of 60,000 citizens and residents Saudi Arabia.
  • Pilgrims must show proof of Covid-19 vaccination to be allowed entry.
    Pilgrims must show proof of Covid-19 vaccination to be allowed entry.
  • It is the second consecutive year that numbers at Hajj are limited due to pandemic.
    It is the second consecutive year that numbers at Hajj are limited due to pandemic.
  • Muslim pilgrims, wearing protective face masks, circle the Kaaba.
    Muslim pilgrims, wearing protective face masks, circle the Kaaba.
  • Coronavirus precautions are taken across the site.
    Coronavirus precautions are taken across the site.
  • Pilgrims arrive at their tented camp in Mina, near the Muslim holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
    Pilgrims arrive at their tented camp in Mina, near the Muslim holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Time for prayer and reflection.
    Time for prayer and reflection.
  • For some worshippers, this year’s Hajj is a strange experience because it has been scaled down to such an extent.
    For some worshippers, this year’s Hajj is a strange experience because it has been scaled down to such an extent.
  • A pilgrim recites the Quran.
    A pilgrim recites the Quran.
  • Saudi pilgrim Irak al Dofairy, 65, reads the Quran on his mobile phone at a camp in Mina.
    Saudi pilgrim Irak al Dofairy, 65, reads the Quran on his mobile phone at a camp in Mina.
  • A pilgrim sits cross-legged.
    A pilgrim sits cross-legged.
  • .Mina sits in a narrow valley surrounded by rocky mountains.
    .Mina sits in a narrow valley surrounded by rocky mountains.
  • Visitors partake in the rituals of the great pilgrimage.
    Visitors partake in the rituals of the great pilgrimage.
  • Walking around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
    Walking around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
  • Back at the camp.
    Back at the camp.
  • The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, started with only 60,000 vaccinated Saudi citizens and residents allowed to take part this year because of the pandemic.
    The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, started with only 60,000 vaccinated Saudi citizens and residents allowed to take part this year because of the pandemic.
  • Pilgrims pour into Makkah for first Hajj rituals amid strict health measures.
    Pilgrims pour into Makkah for first Hajj rituals amid strict health measures.
  • A pilgrim takes a selfie at the Grand Mosque as he wears a mask and stands on social distancing signs.
    A pilgrim takes a selfie at the Grand Mosque as he wears a mask and stands on social distancing signs.
  • A total of 60,000 assembled in Mina on Sunday before moving to Arafat on Monday.
    A total of 60,000 assembled in Mina on Sunday before moving to Arafat on Monday.
  • Muslim pilgrims pray in front of the Kaaba.
    Muslim pilgrims pray in front of the Kaaba.
  • A robot sterilises an area of the Grand Mosque before Hajj.
    A robot sterilises an area of the Grand Mosque before Hajj.
  • The pilgrimage to Makkah is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it.
    The pilgrimage to Makkah is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it.
  • Muslim pilgrims pray at the Grand Mosque.
    Muslim pilgrims pray at the Grand Mosque.
  • Workers disinfect the grounds.
    Workers disinfect the grounds.
  • Muslim pilgrims walk around the cubic building of the Kaaba.
    Muslim pilgrims walk around the cubic building of the Kaaba.
  • A Muslim pilgrim walks past a sign reminding Hajj participants of social distancing.
    A Muslim pilgrim walks past a sign reminding Hajj participants of social distancing.
  • A pilgrims arrives to atend the Hajj season in Makkah.
    A pilgrims arrives to atend the Hajj season in Makkah.
  • Hajj authorities have been disinfecting the Grand Mosque around the clock to ensure pilgrims' safety.
    Hajj authorities have been disinfecting the Grand Mosque around the clock to ensure pilgrims' safety.
  • The pilgrimage remains a deeply personal experience for many, despite the downsizing for the second year running.
    The pilgrimage remains a deeply personal experience for many, despite the downsizing for the second year running.
  • A person can perform Hajj on behalf of someone who has died or is unable to come to Makkah but only if they have already performed the pilgrimage for themselves.
    A person can perform Hajj on behalf of someone who has died or is unable to come to Makkah but only if they have already performed the pilgrimage for themselves.
  • A man hands a bottle of water to a pilgrim at the Grand Mosque.
    A man hands a bottle of water to a pilgrim at the Grand Mosque.
  • The annual ritual is an important part of Islam.
    The annual ritual is an important part of Islam.
  • Pilgrims are dotted around the site.
    Pilgrims are dotted around the site.
  • Saudi troops stand guard as the first pilgrims arrive at the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
    Saudi troops stand guard as the first pilgrims arrive at the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
  • A person takes a video as pilgrims perform Tawaf, the rite of circumambulating the Kaaba.
    A person takes a video as pilgrims perform Tawaf, the rite of circumambulating the Kaaba.
  • Pilgrims pray in the evening near the Kaaba.
    Pilgrims pray in the evening near the Kaaba.
  • A Saudi security officer watches as pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba
    A Saudi security officer watches as pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba

Gulf

Grand Mosque pilgrims no longer required to show proof of vaccination

Many express relief as precautionary measures are eased at Makkah and Madinah

Mariam Nihal

March 10, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have announced that visitors no longer need to show proof of vaccination to enter the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, starting on Thursday.

Pilgrims travelling from abroad also no longer need to register their vaccination status to obtain an Umrah permit.

Some pilgrims voiced their pleasure over the move.

"I am so glad! I am booking my Saudi visa to come perform Umrah in Ramadan and honestly I'm relieved that we won't have to go through the process of doing PCRs, booking prayer permits every time we want to go to the Haram," said Yassin Khan, a British citizen living in Dubai.

Pilgrims travelling to the kingdom no longer have to quarantine or provide a rapid Covid-19 test, the Interior Ministry announced this week.

Social distancing measures in the grand mosques were also cancelled, in addition to wearing masks.

The ministry announced the availability of Umrah permits for the holy month of Ramadan via the Eatmarna and Tawakkalna applications.

The General Administration for Co-ordination of Voluntary Work on Thursday met the community development association to discuss strengthening the volunteer system at the mosques.

The relevant parties will determine the working times and expected numbers of volunteers for Ramadan this year.

The Emir of Madinah participated in weaving the covering of the Kaaba in the exhibition accompanying the 21st Scientific Forum for Hajj, Umrah and Visitation Research earlier on Thursday.

The Emir stopped by the process and helped with weaving the Kiswah, the cloth covering the Kaaba.

Thirty Islamic scholars are available around the clock at the Grand Mosque in Makkah to answer worshippers’ questions, while electronic guidance robots are also on hand for any queries. Numbers of visitors are expected to rise during Ramadan.

Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

'I Want You Back'

Director:Jason Orley

Stars:Jenny Slate, Charlie Day

Rating:4/5

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Other key dates
  • Finals draw: December 2
  • Finals (including semi-finals and third-placed game): June 5–9, 2019
  • Euro 2020 play-off draw: November 22, 2019
  • Euro 2020 play-offs: March 26–31, 2020
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%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20loss%20of%20sodium%20chloride%20in%20our%20sweat%20can%20lead%20to%20confusion%20and%20an%20altered%20mental%20status%20and%20slurred%20speech%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EBody%20temperature%20above%2039%C2%B0C%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHot%2C%20dry%20and%20red%20or%20damp%20skin%20can%20indicate%20heatstroke%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EA%20faster%20pulse%20than%20usual%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EDizziness%2C%20nausea%20and%20headaches%20are%20also%20signs%20of%20overheating%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIn%20extreme%20cases%2C%20victims%20can%20lose%20consciousness%20and%20require%20immediate%20medical%20attention%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Lowest Test scores

26 - New Zealand v England at Auckland, March 1955

30 - South Africa v England at Port Elizabeth, Feb 1896

30 - South Africa v England at Birmingham, June 1924

35 - South Africa v England at Cape Town, April 1899

36 - South Africa v Australia at Melbourne, Feb. 1932

36 - Australia v England at Birmingham, May 1902

36 - India v Australia at Adelaide, Dec. 2020

38 - Ireland v England at Lord's, July 2019

42 - New Zealand v Australia in Wellington, March 1946

42 - Australia v England in Sydney, Feb. 1888

While you're here
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About Proto21

Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group

Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
  • George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
  • Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
  • Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
  • Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills. 
Hunting park to luxury living
  • Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
  • The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
  • Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds

 

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-finals, second leg:

Liverpool (0) v Barcelona (3), Tuesday, 11pm UAE

Game is on BeIN Sports

Updated: March 10, 2022, 2:33 PM
Saudi Arabia