The influx of worshippers to Islam's holiest site in Mecca has seen a remarkable recovery from the pandemic-induced fallout, as evidenced by two pictures posted by Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfik Al Rabiah on Twitter. One picture taken in 2020 shows the Grand Mosque empty, in sharp contrast to the second picture taken this year, which shows the mosque teeming with worshippers at full capacity.

The just-ended Ramadan season marked a U-turn in the situation, with large crowds of the faithful flocking to the Grand Mosque, particularly in the last 10 days of the month, which usually marks the peak of Umrah season. According to official Saudi figures, the number of worshippers at the site reached more than 22 million in the first 20 days of Ramadan, with at least 2.5 million performing the Isha and the voluntary nightly Taraweeh prayers and attending the completion of the Holy Quran recitation at the Grand Mosque on the 28th night of Ramadan.

This exceptional season can be attributed to the host of facilities unveiled by the Saudi authorities for Muslims wishing to come to the country to perform Umrah or lesser pilgrimage. Entry visas have been expanded to include personal, visit, and tourism visas, allowing for greater flexibility in travel. The Umrah visa has also been extended from 30 days to 90 days, and holders are now allowed to enter the kingdom via all land, air, and sea outlets and leave from any airport. Saudi citizens can also apply for visas to invite their friends abroad to visit the kingdom and perform Umrah.

Furthermore, expatriates residing in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are now eligible to apply for a tourist visa, regardless of their profession, and are able to perform Umrah. These measures were gradually implemented after the suspension of Umrah for about seven months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with overseas Muslims being allowed back into Saudi Arabia under certain health conditions in August 2021.

In addition, Saudi Arabia lifted most anti-coronavirus restrictions in March last year, including scrapping physical distancing among worshippers at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mohammad Mosque.

As the pandemic situation improves and facilities for Umrah and pilgrimage are expanded, the recovery of Islam's holiest site in Mecca to pre-pandemic capacity is a testament to the resilience and faith of Muslims worldwide.