Saudi's Grand Mosque to remain closed during Eid Al Adha due to coronavirus

Dubai - 'We invite people of Makkah to break their fast on the day of Arafat in their homes,' Saudi security official says.

The Grand Mosque in Makkah will be closed to worshippers during Eid Al Adha due to the coronavirus, it has been announced.
Saudi Arabian security officials stressed the safety of worshippers is their top priority as they finalised preparations for this year's Haj pilgrimage.
Haj 2020, which has been scaled back dramatically to include only around 1,000 pilgrims as Saudi Arabia battles a coronavirus surge, will begin on July 29, authorities said Monday.
"We have mainly focused on the health aspect this year for its extreme importance in the current unique situation (the coronavirus disease pandemic). The remaining stages will be implemented in the coming days," said Maj. Gen. Muhammad Al Ahmadi, the commander of the forces responsible for security at the Grand Mosque.
Due to Covid-19, the Grand Mosque will be closed to worshippers for Arafa day and Eid Al Adha, he confirmed.
"The decision to suspend prayers in the Grand Mosque, including its outdoor arenas, will continue. We invite people of Makkah to break their fast on the day of Arafat in their homes," added Al Ahmadi.
Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court on Monday said that the Day of Arafat will fall on Thursday (July 30) and that the Eid Al Adha holiday will be on Friday, July 31.
The kingdom also has announced Eid Al Adha holiday dates for the employees of the private and public sectors, the State-owned Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday.
Employees working in the country's private sector will get four days off, from July 30 until August 2.

• Saudi Arabia