In a sign of improving relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the first group of Iranian pilgrims in nearly a decade set off for Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah pilgrimage.

Iran’s official news agency, the Islamic Republic News Agency (Irna), stated that the initial group of Umrah pilgrims departed from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini airport. A total of 5,720 Iranian pilgrims are expected to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah this year, as reported by Irna.

This development comes after Tehran and Riyadh agreed to re-establish diplomatic ties and reopen their embassies, thanks to a China-mediated agreement. Last year, Iranian pilgrims were permitted to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage, but Umrah remained off-limits until now.

The diplomatic rift between Saudi Arabia and Iran started in 2016 following attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran amid protests over the execution of Shiite cleric Nimr Al Nimr by Saudi authorities.

Despite previous announcements by Iranian media regarding the resumption of Umrah pilgrimages to Mecca, several delays were encountered due to technical issues.

The first batch of pilgrims received a ceremonial farewell at the airport, graced by the Saudi ambassador to Tehran, Abdullah bin Saud Al Anazi, along with various Iranian officials.

Unlike Hajj, which has specific dates based on the lunar calendar, Umrah can be performed by Muslims at any time of the year.

The revival of Iranian pilgrimages for Umrah in Saudi Arabia marks a significant stride in mending ties between the two nations and opens doors for increased cultural and people-to-people interactions.