LAHORE MIRROR — Saudi Arabia has recently unveiled a new dress code for female Muslim pilgrims participating in the Umrah pilgrimage at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
The guidelines, released by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah through X (formerly Twitter), stress the importance of comfort and modesty in accordance with Islamic principles.
According to the Ministry’s announcement, women are free to choose their attire for the Umrah pilgrimage, as long as their clothing adheres to the following criteria:
- Loose-fitting garments.
- Devoid of any decorative embellishments.
- Covering the entire body.
As the Umrah season gains momentum, Saudi Arabia is making preparations to welcome approximately 10 million international Muslim visitors to the Grand Mosque. This follows the Hajj season, which witnessed the participation of nearly 1.8 million pilgrims, marking the largest gathering in three years since the onset of the pandemic.
The Umrah pilgrimage is a significant religious journey for many Muslims who are unable to undertake the Hajj due to physical or financial constraints. Saudi Arabia has recently introduced several amenities to enhance the accessibility of this pilgrimage for global visitors.
It is noteworthy here that individuals holding various visa types, including personal, visit, and tourist visas, can now schedule an e-appointment to perform the Umrah.
The Umrah visa duration has been extended from 30 to 90 days, and pilgrims have the flexibility to enter and exit the country through various modes of transportation, including land, air, or sea. In a significant change, women pilgrims no longer require a male guardian to accompany them.
Additionally, expatriates residing in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can obtain a tourist visa, regardless of their job roles, enabling them to partake in the Umrah pilgrimage.
