For the first time in two years, Umrah or lesser pilgrimage resumes today for Muslims inside Saudi Arabia after the end of Hajj rites attended by overseas pilgrims.

According to Saudi news portal Ajel, the General Presidency for Affairs of the Two Mosques has finalized preparations for Umrah rituals booked via the smartphone app "Eatmarna".

According to astronomical calculations, umrah trips for overseas Muslims should resume on the first day of Al Muhram, the first month in the lunar Islamic calendar.

Undersecretary of the General Presidency Badr Al Fareih said that all services are provided to umrah pilgrims.

As COVID-19 restrictions have been largely eased, he anticipates an increase in Umrah pilgrims.

After the COVID-19 pandemic prompted authorities to limit the rites to domestic pilgrims for two years, nearly 900,000 pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia performed this year's Hajj that ended last week.