Saudi Arabia gears up for downsized hajj rituals
Issued on: Modified:
Saudi Arabia, one of the worst-hit countries in the Middle East by coronavirus, is preparing to host the annual hajj pilgrimage, albeit on a significantly reduced scale. Umer Karim, visiting fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, says while hosting the hajj is a prestige for the Saudi Kingdom and of great religious significance, the country is wary of the health impact.