The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Wednesday announced the results of an online draw that will allow a limited number of pilgrims from within the kingdom to perform Hajj.
The Ministry said more than 297,444 applications have been submitted in the electronic draw for citizens and residents within the kingdom for the upcoming Hajj season, “of which 62 per cent are for males and 38 per cent are females,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a statement issued today, the ministry said the total number of applications exceeded 217,000 through the "Etmarna" application and the electronic portal for domestic pilgrims.
The Ministry said an SMS will be sent to those who qualified today, and they will be given 48 hours to make the payment to complete their Hajj registration.
Those who were not selected via the electronic lottery will have a chance in the next count when alternative or additional places become available.
Hajj authorities opened registrations for domestic pilgrims this month as the kingdom lifted restrictions on participation that were imposed in the past two years in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the priority was given to candidates who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus and have never performed Hajj.
Makkah from above - in pictures
-
Aerial photos capturing worshippers' movement during Ramadan in Makkah are providing a special view to those not able to be there. Photo: General Presidency of Haramain -
Aerial photos capturing worshippers' movement during Ramadan in Makkah are providing a special view to those not able to be there. Photo: General Presidency of Haramain -
Aerial photos capturing worshippers' movement during Ramadan in Makkah are providing a special view to those not able to be there. Photo: General Presidency of Haramain -
Aerial photos capturing worshippers' movement during Ramadan in Makkah are providing a special view to those not able to be there. Photo: General Presidency of Haramain -
During Ramadan 2020 and 2021, international visitors were barred from entering Saudi Arabia due to the coronavirus, but this year they have returned. SPA -
Itikaf prayers at the Grand Mosque have also been allowed again. SPA -
During Ramadan, worshippers are met at the Grand Mosque with the smell of oud from more than 20 incense burners, which will be increased to 60 in the last 10 days of the fast. AFP -
A Muslim woman prays in front of the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque. AFP -
Saudi Arabia says it will allow one million Muslims from inside and outside the country to participate in this year's Hajj. @SPA twitter -
Muslim pilgrims walk around the Kaaba. AFP -
Worshippers pray at the Kaaba. AFP -
Makkah is alive with visitors from all over the world for the first time since the Covid-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic. AFP
