Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has recently released a set of instructions for parents planning to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage at Makkah, Islam’s most sacred site. The guidelines stress the importance of teaching children to respect the Quran, particularly as it is widely accessible at the Grand Mosque, the site of Umrah rituals.
Parents are also encouraged to ensure their children remain calm within the premises and supervise them when using escalators. They are advised to seek help from security staff when necessary.
These guidelines become particularly relevant as the holy month of Ramadan approaches, a period when the Umrah season usually peaks. For those unable to embark on the annual Hajj pilgrimage due to physical or financial limitations, performing Umrah at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia presents a significant alternative.
As Ramadan nears, the demand for Umrah pilgrimage increases, especially among residents of the UAE. In response to this, Saudi Arabia has implemented several measures to ease Umrah for international visitors. These include extending the Umrah visa duration from 30 to 90 days, allowing entry and exit through various ports, and removing the requirement for female pilgrims to be accompanied by male guardians.
Furthermore, expatriates living in Gulf Cooperation Council countries can now apply for tourist visas, irrespective of their profession, enabling them to perform Umrah.
