Reports of ‘ban’ on Qatari pilgrims termed fake

Worshippers pray at the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on June 2, 2017. Saudi authorities on Monday said there is no truth to rumors being circulated that Qatari pilgrims would be banned from entering Saudi Arabia. (AN photo by Ahmad Hashad)

JEDDAH: The General Presidency of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has rejected news reports of a “ban” on Qatari pilgrims, calling them fake.
A statement said that the directives of the Saudi leadership confirm the provision of services and facilitating procedures for all pilgrims around the world, including Qatari pilgrims.
The statement added that what is being circulated on social media about banning Qatari pilgrims from entering the Grand Mosque is false.
“Since 9/9/1438 (June 4), the Kingdom has received 1,633 Qatari pilgrims who performed Umrah,” the statement said.
The statement was issued after a significant increase of false news on some social networking sites that the Kingdom’s decision to cut ties with Doha is affecting pilgrims from Qatar.
The presidency affirmed that Qataris are performing their rituals and worship at the Grand Mosque at ease and are benefiting from all the services provided by the Saudi government at the two holy mosques.
The presidency called on media to double check and ask authorities before publishing anything.
Alleged fake news items have been reported by Qatar’s state-run broadcaster Al Jazeera, which claimed that Saudi authorities have prevented Qatari nationals from entering the Grand Mosque in Makkah.