Saudi Arabia will allow non-pilgrims to perform the ritual circumambulation, known as Tawaf, around the Holy Kaaba in Mecca, further easing Covid-19 restrictions.
According to Hani Haider, spokesman for the General Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz has issued orders permitting non-Umrah worshippers to perform the Kaaba encircling on the first level of the Grand Mosque.
Non-pilgrims will be allowed to perform tawaf three times per day, from 7am-10am, 9pm-11.59pm, and 12 midnight to 3am, Gulf News quoted him as saying.
This is part of efforts for the step-by-step relief from precautions against the Covid-19 pandemic, the official added.
Worshippers must book tawaf sessions through the app Eatmarna.
Saudi Arabia eased restrictions imposed for Covid-19 this month, citing an improvement in the country's epidemiological situation and a significant decline in the number of infections.
Distancing rule for worshippers in the two holy mosques of Mecca and Medina has been lifted, and their full capacity has been restored.
However, worshippers must continue to wear face masks at both mosques.