Dubai, In a noteworthy development, Iranian pilgrims are set to embark on regular journeys to Saudi Arabia for Umrah from December 19, marking the first time in eight years, as reported by Iranian media. This signals a positive shift in relations between the two Gulf nations.
Flights are scheduled to take off from 10 airports across Iran, facilitating Iranians participating in the year-round Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The initial group of Iranian Umrah pilgrims is expected to depart on December 19, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.
The resumption of regular travel follows an agreement mediated by China in March, leading to the restoration of full diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Tensions had escalated in 2016 when Riyadh executed a Shi’ite Muslim cleric, prompting the cutting of diplomatic ties and an attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran.
Since 2016, Iranian pilgrims were limited to the haj pilgrimage due to strict quotas and timings. With the recent developments, Iranians can now undertake Umrah, often referred to as the “lesser pilgrimage,” which can be performed at any time of the year and is not obligatory in Islam.
Negotiations between the two countries also aim to reintroduce non-religious tourism, with plans for flights connecting their capitals. Fars reported an estimated 70,000 Iranian pilgrims expected to travel to Saudi Arabia by the end of February 2024.
