Millions of Muslim Pilgrims Gather in Saudi Arabia for First Full-Scale Hajj Since Pandemic

Nearly 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Close to pre-pandemic attendance levels are expected, with over 2 million pilgrims attending from over 160 countries.
Pilgrims are attending communal prayers and performing rituals like circling the Kaaba in Mecca.
This year's Hajj is the first without restrictions since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and required for all able Muslims at least once in their lifetime.