Saudi Arabia's King Salman Abdulaziz al-Saud has issued a decree authorizing tarawih prayers at two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina.

The matter was confirmed by the President for the Affairs of the Masjidil Haram in Mecca and the Nabawi Mosque in Medina Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Sudais in a statement on Wednesday.

It followed a directive on the prohibition of tarawih prayers at the two holy mosques released yesterday in the country's effort to curb the transmission of COVID-19.

Saudi Arabia plans to loosen curfews in several cities during Ramadan to allow people to buy essential items in their neighbourhood.

However, the ban on the entry of the public congregation remains in force.