Hotels in Makkah allow to issue Umrah permits for pilgrims during Ramadan

JEDDAH: In an initiative to help reviving the hotel sector in Makkah which was drastically affected by the coronavirus, Saudi Arabia's Hajj and Umrah Ministry has given authorisation to hotels surrounding the courtyards of the Grand Holy Mosque to issue Umrah permits for their guests during the holy month of Ramadan.

Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported Tuesday that the measure will be carried out by the ministry and the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence via apps of "Eatmarna" and "Tawakkalna".

Visitors must strictly meet regulatory requirements and health protocols approved, the report said.

In a statement to SPA, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdelfattah Sulaiman Mashat had stressed that these procedures will play a role in activating the sector, which is largely dependent the Hajj and Umrah seasons.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Hotel Committee Rayan Osama Filali said 1800 hotels and more than 250,000 housing units are being prepared in Makkah to receive Umrah performers.

-- BERNAMA