Story at a glance

  • Saudi Arabia is home to two of Islam’s holiest sites, Mecca and Medina.
  • Millions of Muslims make a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia each year.
  • The kingdom is temporarily closing its borders to pilgrims in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Saudi Arabia is closing its borders to pilgrims visiting two of Islam's holiest sites to prevent the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, from reaching the kingdom. 

The country’s foreign ministry made the announcement Wednesday as more cases were reported in neighboring countries. Kuwait has the second-largest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Middle East after Iran, which has become a hotbed for the disease in the region. Saudi Arabia froze diplomatic relations with Iran in 2016 and has suspended travel to Iran for citizens and expatriates.

Last year, more than 2 million people traveled to Saudi Arabia on Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca during the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Hajj begins at the end of July this year, but many others are traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, a similar pilgrimage that can be taken at any time. 

In addition to suspending entry for visitors to Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia has also suspended entry for any tourist from countries with confirmed coronavirus outbreaks, according to criteria established by Saudi health authorities. In its statement, the foreign ministry said the measures were temporary and would be continually reevaluated. 

"The Kingdom renews its support for all international measures taken to limit the spread of the virus," it said in a statement. 

Published on Feb 27, 2020