Saudi Arabia replaces Minister of Haj and Umrah

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, replaced the Haj minister on Friday.

Mohammad Benten was relieved from his post as Minister of Haj and Umrah, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said, citing a royal decree.

He is replaced



by Essam bin Saeed, who will retain his post as Minister of State.

The kingdom hosted the Haj pilgrimage in late July. Only up to 10,000 Muslim residents of Saudi Arabia itself were allowed to take part.

It is unclear how many pilgrims will be allowed for this year’s Haj.