According to Saudi Arabia, the Grand Mosque in Mecca, where the lesser pilgrimage takes place, is not overcrowded during the current Islamic lunar month of Muharram.

Hajj and Umrah Ministry posted on Twitter images of the ritual circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba in the mosque showing the courtyard less crowded at various times.

On July 30, the new Islamic Hijiri year began, marking the start of the new umrah season. In July, the Hajj season ended.

Saudi officials say they are preparing for the new umrah season, which is expected to bring more than 10 million Muslims.

There is no maximum limit for overseas Muslims performing umrah during the year, according to Saudi authorities.

Saudi news portal Ajel reports that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also said overseas Muslims can enter and leave Saudi Arabia via any airport within the kingdom, not just Jeddah.

Umrah undertaking requires a permit from the Eatmarna app, provided the applicant is not infected with COVID-19 or has not come into contact with one.

In an attempt to streamline procedures, the ministry announced last week that Muslims arriving in the kingdom from abroad for umrah can plan their own itineraries electronically without a mediator.