Saudi Arabia will allow pilgrims from Qatar to perform Hajj 2017, in spite a diplomatic row, local media reported on Monday.
The only restriction on the Qatari pilgrims is that they should travel to the kingdom aboard all flights other than Qatar Airways, Qatar’s national carrier, the Al Arabiya TV reported.
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation quoted a statement by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah as saying that Riyadh welcomes Qataris, who wish to perform Umrah or Hajj this year.
“The pilgrims from Qatar will only be allowed to perform this year Hajj, if they have permits from the ministry and from the relevant department in Qatar,’’ it said.
Qatari pilgrims can travel to the kingdom via any airline except Qatar Airways and through any flight routes to the kingdom except through Doha, the ministry said.
They should enter the kingdom through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or through Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina, it added.
Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the most holy city for Muslims. Hajj 2017 will begins August 30 and end September 4.
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims can perform at any time of the year.
Saudi Arabia has led an Arab quartet which cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and imposed blockade on this rich Gulf nation since June 5, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs.
The quartet also included the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt.
In spite intensified regional and international mediation efforts, the two sides have failed to hold direct talks to resolve the standoff. (Xinhua/NAN)
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