Riyadh, Oct. 23 -- Worshippers in the Grand Mosque in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Prophet's Mosque in Madinah Al-Munawarrah performed the first Friday prayer at full capacity without social distancing since the beginning of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic about one and a half years ago.

On October 17, the Saudi Arabia government removed social distancing restrictions and worshippers were allowed to pray shoulder to shoulder in the Holy Mosques of Makkah and Madinah across the Kingdom.

The first Friday prayer in Makkah Al-Mukarramah after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, led by Sheikh Mahir bin Hamad Al Mu'ayqali. Photo: Haramain Sharifain/Twitter

The first Friday prayer in Madinah Al-Munawarrah after the easing of COVID-19 restric...