Saudi Arabia Likely to Cancel Hajj 2023 Due to Ongoing Health Crisis

According to industry professionals, preparations for the rituals of the fifth pillar of Islam are made in the month of Sha’ban, when tour operators and supervisory ministries commit to tourism companies in Saudi Arabia, by paying 80% deposits.

In the absence of these major indicators, it is clear that the pilgrimage to Mecca will not take place this year, especially since bookings with travel agencies have been suspended since the start of the epidemic. Some future pilgrims have even requested a refund of the expenses incurred.

In Saudi Arabia, where the proliferation of the coronavirus has reached alarming figures, all sectors have been forced to stop, with the state deciding to send airport employees and other institutions on leave until November.

In this perspective, the Saudi Minister of Al Hajj and Al Umrah had, at first, recommended that tourism operators postpone the signing of contracts, before later deciding to refund visa fees.