Saudi Arabia To Host Limited Hajj Pilgrimage Due To COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia announced a limited Hajj for residents of various nationalities within the country. The Hajj, a significant Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, usually attracts around 2 million people annually, generating $12 billion for Saudi Arabia. Earlier, the government suspended religious visas and banned residents from traveling to Mecca. The number of participants for this year's Hajj, scheduled from July 28th to August 2nd, remains uncertain.

Why did Saudi authorities decide to limit the number of Hajj pilgrims this year?

• Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic

• To reduce the economic burden

• To focus on Umrah instead

• To promote local tourism

What is the religious significance of the Hajj pilgrimage?

• It is a journey to Mecca

• It is a journey to Medina

• It is a journey to Riyadh

• It is a journey to Jerusalem

Approximately how much revenue does the Hajj pilgrimage generate for Saudi Arabia annually?

• $5 billion

• $8 billion

• $15 billion

• $12 billion

What action did the Saudi government take earlier this year regarding Umrah?

• They increased the number of visas

• They suspended religious visas

• They allowed only international pilgrims

• They reduced the pilgrimage duration

When is this year's Hajj scheduled to take place?

• September 1st to September 6th

• August 10th to August 15th

• July 28th to August 2nd

• June 15th to June 20th