Petra | Jun 19, 2013 |

AMMAN — Saudi Arabia has reduced by 20 per cent the number of pilgrims from Muslim countries who will be allowed to perform the Hajj (the greater Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca) this year, in light of expansion work taking place at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

During a meeting with Awqaf Minister Mohammad Qudah, Saudi Ambassador to the Kingdom Fahed Al Zaid informed Qudah of the decision.

The envoy also conveyed his condolences over the passing away of several Jordanians in a road accident in Mecca recently while they were heading to Mecca to perform umra, the lesser Muslim pilgrimage.