According to Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, the protective barriers around the Holy Kaaba have been lifted. According to King Salman, custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, a royal order has been issued in this regard, coinciding with the start of the new Umrah season.

As the new Umrah season begins, Sheikh Al-Sudais emphasized that the decision represents the Saudi leadership's desire to facilitate pilgrims and visitors of the Grand Mosque to perform their rituals in a safe and reassuring spiritual ambiance.

"The presidency is working with all sectors at the Grand Mosque to receive pilgrims and provide them with all the services and facilities they need," Sheikh Al-Sudais said. The presidency is working with all the concerned sectors to welcome pilgrims and provide them with all the services they need in accordance with the generous aspirations of the wise leadership."

The presidency placed barriers around the Holy Kaaba on July 1, 2020, as a precautionary measure to stem the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, it prohibited pilgrims and visitors from touching or kissing the Kaaba and the Hajar Al-Aswad (the Black Stone).