As Saudi Arabia lifted coronavirus restrictions that had been in place for months, Pilgrims donning a mask were seen circling Islam's holiest site, as the authorities partially resumed the year-round umrah pilgrimage. Thousands of worshippers entered the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca in batches to perform the ritual of circling the sacred Kaaba, a cubic structure towards which Muslims around the world pray. The umrah, the pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time, usually attracts millions of Muslims from across the globe each year but it was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. It will be revived in three phases, 6,000 pilgrims per day will be allowed in the first stage to perform the umrah. The Grand Mosque will be sterilised before and after each group of worshippers.

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