The story: Saudi Arabia is about to close registration for the upcoming annual Haj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca—but with limited capacity for the second consecutive year. Only 60,000 Saudi citizens and residents have been able to sign up due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Importantly, Saudi authorities have also announced that women can now register individually without a male relative, though they must “register along with other women.” The change is part of religious reforms instigated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS).

The coverage: On June 12, the Saudi-funded Al-Arabiya relayed the praises of Egypt’s Grand Mufti...