Muslim pilgrims arrive in holy city of Mecca for haj
STORY: Wrapped in white robes, with some carrying umbrellas against the burning desert sun, hundreds performed the first ritual of the haj, which involves walking in a circle around the Kaaba, the sacred building at the center of Mecca's Grand Mosque.
Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's holiest sites in Mecca and Medina, allowed back foreign travellers this year to perform the haj. Only a few thousand Saudi citizens and residents attended the annual pilgrimage in the last two years as COVID-19 wreaked havoc across the global economy and curtailed travel.
"We can see pilgrims from Europe, Australia and America coming here easily for Haj and the rituals, we thank God. I am very happy.” said Mecca resident Walid al-Harbi. “I have a feeling like I was in a cage and now I am free. I can pray whenever and thankfully I am a resident of Mecca."
Over the years, the kingdom has spent billions of dollars on making one of the world's biggest religious gatherings more secure. Haj, a once-in-a-lifetime duty for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it, is a major source of income for the government from worshippers’ lodging, transport, fees and gifts.
