HE the Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Dr Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri, has called on the United Nations to conduct international investigations into the violations of the right to practise religious practices in Saudi Arabia

Qatar has accused Saudi Arabia of barring its nationals from performing this year's Haj too as part of Riyadh's efforts to politicise religion in the backdrop of the ongoing diplomatic rift between the two countries.

It has become clear that Qataris would not be able to perform the Haj for the second consecutive year on account of the unacceptable hurdles created by the authorities concerned in Saudi Arabia, local Arabic daily Arrayah reported Friday.

Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs dismisses claims that Qatar prevents its citizens from going on the pilgrimage.

The ministry said that the statement did not bring anything new to resolve the obstacles that have existed since June 5, 2017.

For the second consecutive year, Qataris and residents of Qatar are unable to perform the Ramadan Umrah (minor pilgrimage) due to the restrictions imposed by the Saudi authorities.

Pilgrims were trekking en masse in a desert valley near the Saudi holy city of Makkah to perform the third and final day of a symbolic devil-stoning ritual as part of the annual Haj that ends on Sunday.

More than two million people are expected to participate in this year's Haj, a pillar of Islam that capable Muslims must perform at least once in their lives, which starts next week.

Awqaf Ministry still awaiting response from Saudi Haj ministry to complete procedures

Qatar's Foreign Ministry has expressed its surprise at the announcement by Saudi Arabia that Qatari pilgrims can travel only by Saudi Arabian Airlines to perform Haj.

A hotel in the Saudi Arabian city of Makkah, where two million Muslims will perform the annual Haj pilgrimage, was evacuated Monday after a fire broke out, the civil defence service said.

Though Saudi Arabia's latest move allowing Qataris to use the Saudi-Qatar land border for Haj has been considered a positive development by many, a cross-section of Qataris feel there is still more to be done to guarantee the well-being and comfort of the pilgrims.