Saudi Arabia will allow mosques to open for Friday prayers, state TV reported on Tuesday, as the kingdom eases restrictions on movement to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Mosques will be authorised to open 20 minutes before Friday prayers and should close 20 minutes after they finish, state TV said on Twitter, citing the ministry of Islamic affairs.
Saudi authorities said on Monday that restrictions would be lifted in three phases, culminating in a curfew ending — with the exception of the Holy City of Makkah — from June 21.
The Haj and Umrah pilgrimages, which attract millions of travellers from around the world, will remain suspended until further notice.
The kingdom, which has reported the highest number of virus cases in the Gulf, imposed a full nationwide curfew during Eid Al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
The ministry said it will begin easing restrictions in a phased manner this week, with the curfew relaxed between 6 am and 3 pm between Thursday and Saturday.
From Sunday until June 20, the curfew will be further eased until 8 pm, the ministry added.
This story is from the May 27, 2020 edition of Gulf Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 27, 2020 edition of Gulf Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Bayern's bid for 10th German League title boosted by rivals' disarray
Bayern are cruising unbeaten at the top of the league table under new coach Nagelsmann and their challengers from last season are in disarray. They have won their last nine matches in all competitions and scored at least three goals in each game
Pakistan Pavilion at Expo spotlights Balochistan
Visitors will get to see the strides women in Pakistan have made and the importance of their development
Defence cooperation between UAE, Pakistan grows stronger
Sheikh Mohamed and General Bajwa discussed relations of friendship and joint coordination between the two countries in defence and military affairs
England's Buttler reiterates to pull out of Ashes tour if not allowed to meet family in Oz
But whether the wicketkeeper-batsman also features in the five-Test Ashes series is open to doubt amid questions over the severity of COVID-19 restrictions confronting Joe Root’s men in Australia
Balmain celebrates ten years with designer at Paris Fashion Week
An emotional recorded message by Beyonce opened the evening show, paying tribute to the French designer who she said strove to put diversity at the heart of his fashion
Brazil's Palmeiras Advance To Copa Libertadores Final Again
BELO HORIZONTE: Defending champions Palmeiras booked their place in the final of the Copa Libertadores on Tuesday, securing a batling 1-1 against Brazilian rivals Atletico Mineiro to advance on away goals.
Chennai Look To Tighten Grip On Top, Hyderabad To Play For Pride
Chennai are siting at the top of the standings with 16 points, having won eight of their ten matches. They are in stupendous form and have been unbeaten in the UAE leg of the tournament. CSK have notched up three victories on the trot to maintain their stranglehold on the summit
Britain Deploys Soldiers To Deliver Fuel, Says Official
Petrol stations’ union says only 27% reported being out of gasoline while taxi drivers say there appeared to be little signs of the situation improving
Cabinet Ministers Of UAE Sworn In At Qasr Al Watan
The ministers expressed their appreciation for the trust of the leaders of the UAE
Expo 2020 Star-Studded Opening Ceremony Will Mesmerise World
Opening ceremony viewing parties will take place across the country
