Saudi Arabia to resume religious tourism to revive economy
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Saudi Arabia to resume religious tourism to revive economy

Expert Reports  
09-28-2020
 

In an attempt to revive its declining economy, Saudi Arabia plans to reopen the two holiest sites in Islam to pilgrims in October, seven months after it suspended visits to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Under new regulations, local and foreign residents of Saudi Arabia will be permitted to enter the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina for the year-round Umrah pilgrimage starting Oct. 4.

The capacity of both mosques will initially be limited to 30% and gradually increased to 100% on Nov. 1, when pilgrims from outside the kingdom will also be allowed. Entry to the sites will be controlled via a mobile app, and worshipers will be required to wear face masks and practice social distancing.

Restoring religious tourism, a major source of revenue for the Saudi government, in a phased manner follows a nearly three-month decline in reported infections that prompted authorities last week to begin removing curbs on international travel.

Saudi Arabia’s economy has been hit by depressed oil prices while coronavirus measures have hurt its nascent tourism and entertainment sectors. Gross domestic product shrank 1% in the first quarter and the International Monetary Fund expects it to contract 6.8% overall this year.

Authorities have tried to balance curbing the pandemic with protecting the economy and upholding their responsibility as stewards of the Muslim world’s most important religious event.

As Saudi Arabia reopens following a longer shutdown than most of its neighbors, it also faces the challenge of avoiding a resurgence of the disease.

Saudi Arabia last month said it would conduct Phase 3 trials of coronavirus vaccine candidates being developed by Russia and China. But local authorities have indicated they are still evaluating safety requirements.