Pilgrims pray around the Holy Kaaba in Makkah. File

Gulf Today Report

Saudi Arabia will ease COVID-19 curbs from Sunday (Oct.17), the interior ministry said on Friday, in response to a sharp drop in daily infections and a considerable development in vaccinations.

The government will lift social distancing measures and will allow full-capacity attendance at the country's two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah for those who have taken the full dose of vaccines, the ministry added.

The authorities also cancelled curbs on fully vaccinated people at closed venues, gatherings, transportation, restaurants and cinemas.

Masks are no longer mandatory at public open places while still imposed at closed venues, it added.

Worshippers who have received both vaccine doses will now be able to visit the Holy Mosque in Makkah while wearing a mask and using the Umrah tracking app.

The same rules will apply to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)'s Mosque in Madinah.

Social distancing regulations will also be lifted and transport, restaurants, cinemas and other public gatherings will be allowed to operate at full capacity for the fully-vaccinated.

Wedding halls will be also be allowed to operate with no restrictions on attendance, although those attending must still comply with the precautions, including masks in closed spaces.