Barriers Placed around Kaaba Removed
They had been placed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The move came as Muslim faithful flocked to Mecca to perform Umrah, the minor optional pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year, following Hajj season.
Mecca's Grand Mosque, where the cube-shaped Kaaba building is located, is considered the most sacred mosque in Islam. The Prophet's Mosque in Medina is the second most holy site.
Saudi authorities placed barriers at the Kaaba, which is believed to have been built by the Prophet Abraham, to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Pilgrims often seek to touch parts of the Kaaba, particularly the Black Stone in its eastern corner, which is commonly kissed.
Photographs posted to Twitter early on Wednesday by the presidency of the Two Holy Mosques, depicted worshippers touching the Kaaba.
Source: english.alaraby.co.uk
