Saudi Arabia prepares residence for Qatari pilgrims in Mecca

CAIRO – 3 August 2017: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has finalized preparations to welcome the pilgrims of Qatar, with a tent at Mina ritual in Mecca carrying a sign: ‘Welcome Guests of the Most Gracious, ilgrims of State of Qatar ,’ in a gesture that refutes Qatar’s allegations that the kingdom is politicizing Hajj.

Saudi Arabia prepared air conditioned and fully equipped tents with all the needs of Qatari pilgrims, alongside pilgrims from all over the world, who will practice the Islamic ritual of Hajj that will kick off by the end of August.

Hajj season is the busiest season in KSA, where pilgrims come from around the world to visit Holy Kaaba and other holy sites of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which requires special preparations to accomodate all people with different needs and from all races.

On July 30, KSA allocated emergency air corridors to receive Qatari flights carrying Qatari pilgrims, though the Qatari National Human Rights Committee has filed a complaint with the United Nations, accusing the kingdom of “politicize Hajj by hindering Qataris’ access to Mecca to perform pilgrimage,” which Saudi Arabia completely denied.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir denounced claims that the Kingdom bans Qatar pilgrims during a joint press conference on July 30 in Manama.

On June 5, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain severed ties with Qatar, closing their airspaces and maritime navigation to the Qatari transportation, over accusations to the Gulf state of backing terrorism.