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'I am glad we are turning a new chapter and hope the world can go back to normal," Mr Mohammed said.

Physical distancing stickers are removed from the Grand Mosque after Saudi Arabia lifted the requirement to wear masks and observe social distancing in open spaces. All photos: SPA

The move came after the number of Covid-19 cases in the kingdom continued to decrease, Saudi Arabia’s official press agency (SPA) said.

Pilgrims are warned they must still wear masks and use the Tawakkalna mobile app to confirm their immunity status when entering the kingdom’s two Holy Mosques.

The lifting of restrictions is the latest in a series of moves by Saudi Arabia after it reopened its borders to travellers in May.

There is now widespread hope that primary schoolchildren will soon be allowed to attend classrooms across the country.

Dawn prayer at the Grand Mosque after the cancelling of physical distance.

More than 20.6 million of the country's 34.8 million population have been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Saudi Arabia recorded two deaths and 45 new cases of Covid-19 on Saturday.

There was positive reaction to the latest lifting of restrictions. ‘This is great news,’ said Naushad Mohammed, a British citizen who lives in Saudi Arabia.

Mr Mohammed praised the kingdom’s response to the virus. ‘Saudi Arabia has done an impressive and tremendous job in taking care of its people, be it residents or citizens during the pandemic. We were all given free medical care and vaccines and are really lucky to have been here during the pandemic.’

'I am glad we are turning a new chapter and hope the world can go back to normal," Mr Mohammed said.

Physical distancing stickers are removed from the Grand Mosque after Saudi Arabia lifted the requirement to wear masks and observe social distancing in open spaces. All photos: SPA

The move came after the number of Covid-19 cases in the kingdom continued to decrease, Saudi Arabia’s official press agency (SPA) said.

Pilgrims are warned they must still wear masks and use the Tawakkalna mobile app to confirm their immunity status when entering the kingdom’s two Holy Mosques.

The lifting of restrictions is the latest in a series of moves by Saudi Arabia after it reopened its borders to travellers in May.

There is now widespread hope that primary schoolchildren will soon be allowed to attend classrooms across the country.

Dawn prayer at the Grand Mosque after the cancelling of physical distance.

More than 20.6 million of the country's 34.8 million population have been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Saudi Arabia recorded two deaths and 45 new cases of Covid-19 on Saturday.

There was positive reaction to the latest lifting of restrictions. ‘This is great news,’ said Naushad Mohammed, a British citizen who lives in Saudi Arabia.

Mr Mohammed praised the kingdom’s response to the virus. ‘Saudi Arabia has done an impressive and tremendous job in taking care of its people, be it residents or citizens during the pandemic. We were all given free medical care and vaccines and are really lucky to have been here during the pandemic.’

'I am glad we are turning a new chapter and hope the world can go back to normal," Mr Mohammed said.

Saudi Arabia relaxes Covid-19 measures at the Grand Mosque in Makkah – in pictures

President Sheikh Mohamed receives King Hamad of Bahrain at the Presidential Airport. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed receives King of Bahrain - in pictures

Two cleaners work on the right ear of the Ushiku Daibutsu giant Buddha statue in Ushiku, Japan. AFP

Best photos of September 9: From a giant Buddah in Japan to a broken bridge in Vietnam