Pilgrims take a selfie after the symbolic stoning ritual during the Hajj in Mina, near Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah. AP
Pilgrims take a selfie after the symbolic stoning ritual during the Hajj in Mina, near Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah. AP
A woman pilgrim prays after the stoning ritual. AP
A woman pilgrim prays after the stoning ritual. AP
Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar representing the devil, one of several rituals that form part of the annual Hajj. Reuters
Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar representing the devil, one of several rituals that form part of the annual Hajj. Reuters
A pilgrim flings a stone at a pillar symbolising Satan. Reuters
A pilgrim flings a stone at a pillar symbolising Satan. Reuters
An official in Mina, near Makkah, directs a pilgrim during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
An official in Mina, near Makkah, directs a pilgrim during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Coronavirus hit the Hajj for a second year running. An event that annually attracts about 2. 5 million Muslims from around the world this year is unrecognisable in scale with strict health restrictions in place.
Coronavirus hit the Hajj for a second year running. An event that annually attracts about 2. 5 million Muslims from around the world this year is unrecognisable in scale with strict health restrictions in place.
Pilgrims at prayer after participating in the symbolic stoning of the devil during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims at prayer after participating in the symbolic stoning of the devil during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
A pilgrim during prayer after the stone-throwing ritual.
A pilgrim during prayer after the stone-throwing ritual.
Pilgrims cast stones in a ritual stoning of Satan during Hajj.
Pilgrims cast stones in a ritual stoning of Satan during Hajj.
Pilgrims pray after the stone-throwing ritual in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims pray after the stone-throwing ritual in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
A Hajj pilgrim in Mina, near Makkah, casts a stone at a pillar representing Satan.
A Hajj pilgrim in Mina, near Makkah, casts a stone at a pillar representing Satan.
Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar symbolising Satan during the annual Hajj.
Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar symbolising Satan during the annual Hajj.
A pilgrim prays after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
A pilgrim prays after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
A worker distributes free water from the holy well of Zamzam to pilgrims.
A worker distributes free water from the holy well of Zamzam to pilgrims.
A Saudi policewoman, Samar, stands in front of the Kaaba.
A Saudi policewoman, Samar, stands in front of the Kaaba.
A pilgrim casts stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
A pilgrim casts stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
Pilgrims throw stones at pillars symbolising Satan during Hajj in Mina, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims throw stones at pillars symbolising Satan during Hajj in Mina, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims have their heads shaved on the second day of Eid Al Adha after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
Pilgrims have their heads shaved on the second day of Eid Al Adha after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
Pilgrims, keeping social distancing and wearing protective masks, cast stones at pillars symbolising Satan.
Pilgrims, keeping social distancing and wearing protective masks, cast stones at pillars symbolising Satan.
Pilgrims pray on top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near Makkah.
Pilgrims pray on top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near Makkah.
Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat during Hajj.
Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat during Hajj.
A pilgrim prays in front of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the plain of Arafat, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
A pilgrim prays in front of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the plain of Arafat, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims gather around Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal Al Rahma, or the Mountain of Mercy.
Pilgrims gather around Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal Al Rahma, or the Mountain of Mercy.
Muslim pilgrims at Mount Arafat.
Muslim pilgrims at Mount Arafat.
Vaccinated pilgrims performing Hajj.
Vaccinated pilgrims performing Hajj.
Pilgrims shelter from the sun under an umbrella.
Pilgrims shelter from the sun under an umbrella.
Participants remained socially distanced and wore masks as the coronavirus took its toll on the Hajj for a second year running.
Participants remained socially distanced and wore masks as the coronavirus took its toll on the Hajj for a second year running.
Officials replace the covering cloth of the Kaaba.
Officials replace the covering cloth of the Kaaba.
Aerial view of the Mina area during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in the holy city of Makkah.
Aerial view of the Mina area during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in the holy city of Makkah.
The Kaaba is covered with the Kiswa cloth.
The Kaaba is covered with the Kiswa cloth.
Another view of the Mina area.
Another view of the Mina area.
Pilgrims must be under 65 and without a chronic disease.
Pilgrims must be under 65 and without a chronic disease.
Rules for the 2021 Hajj allow for a maximum of 60,000 citizens and residents Saudi Arabia.
Rules for the 2021 Hajj allow for a maximum of 60,000 citizens and residents Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims must show proof of Covid-19 vaccination to be allowed entry.
Pilgrims must show proof of Covid-19 vaccination to be allowed entry.
It is the second consecutive year that numbers at Hajj are limited due to pandemic.
It is the second consecutive year that numbers at Hajj are limited due to pandemic.
Muslim pilgrims, wearing protective face masks, circle the Kaaba.
Muslim pilgrims, wearing protective face masks, circle the Kaaba.
Coronavirus precautions are taken across the site.
Coronavirus precautions are taken across the site.
Pilgrims arrive at their tented camp in Mina, near the Muslim holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims arrive at their tented camp in Mina, near the Muslim holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Time for prayer and reflection.
Time for prayer and reflection.
For some worshippers, this year’s Hajj is a strange experience because it has been scaled down to such an extent.
For some worshippers, this year’s Hajj is a strange experience because it has been scaled down to such an extent.
A pilgrim recites the Quran.
A pilgrim recites the Quran.
Saudi pilgrim Irak al Dofairy, 65, reads the Quran on his mobile phone at a camp in Mina.
Saudi pilgrim Irak al Dofairy, 65, reads the Quran on his mobile phone at a camp in Mina.
A pilgrim sits cross-legged.
A pilgrim sits cross-legged.
.Mina sits in a narrow valley surrounded by rocky mountains.
.Mina sits in a narrow valley surrounded by rocky mountains.
Visitors partake in the rituals of the great pilgrimage.
Visitors partake in the rituals of the great pilgrimage.
Walking around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
Walking around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
Back at the camp.
Back at the camp.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, started with only 60,000 vaccinated Saudi citizens and residents allowed to take part this year because of the pandemic.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, started with only 60,000 vaccinated Saudi citizens and residents allowed to take part this year because of the pandemic.
Pilgrims pour into Makkah for first Hajj rituals amid strict health measures.
Pilgrims pour into Makkah for first Hajj rituals amid strict health measures.
A pilgrim takes a selfie at the Grand Mosque as he wears a mask and stands on social distancing signs.
A pilgrim takes a selfie at the Grand Mosque as he wears a mask and stands on social distancing signs.
A total of 60,000 assembled in Mina on Sunday before moving to Arafat on Monday.
A total of 60,000 assembled in Mina on Sunday before moving to Arafat on Monday.
Muslim pilgrims pray in front of the Kaaba.
Muslim pilgrims pray in front of the Kaaba.
A robot sterilises an area of the Grand Mosque before Hajj.
A robot sterilises an area of the Grand Mosque before Hajj.
The pilgrimage to Makkah is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it.
The pilgrimage to Makkah is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it.
Muslim pilgrims pray at the Grand Mosque.
Muslim pilgrims pray at the Grand Mosque.
Workers disinfect the grounds.
Workers disinfect the grounds.
Muslim pilgrims walk around the cubic building of the Kaaba.
Muslim pilgrims walk around the cubic building of the Kaaba.
A Muslim pilgrim walks past a sign reminding Hajj participants of social distancing.
A Muslim pilgrim walks past a sign reminding Hajj participants of social distancing.
A pilgrims arrives to atend the Hajj season in Makkah.
A pilgrims arrives to atend the Hajj season in Makkah.
Hajj authorities have been disinfecting the Grand Mosque around the clock to ensure pilgrims' safety.
Hajj authorities have been disinfecting the Grand Mosque around the clock to ensure pilgrims' safety.
The pilgrimage remains a deeply personal experience for many, despite the downsizing for the second year running.
The pilgrimage remains a deeply personal experience for many, despite the downsizing for the second year running.
A person can perform Hajj on behalf of someone who has died or is unable to come to Makkah but only if they have already performed the pilgrimage for themselves.
A person can perform Hajj on behalf of someone who has died or is unable to come to Makkah but only if they have already performed the pilgrimage for themselves.
A man hands a bottle of water to a pilgrim at the Grand Mosque.
A man hands a bottle of water to a pilgrim at the Grand Mosque.
The annual ritual is an important part of Islam.
The annual ritual is an important part of Islam.
Pilgrims are dotted around the site.
Pilgrims are dotted around the site.
Saudi troops stand guard as the first pilgrims arrive at the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
Saudi troops stand guard as the first pilgrims arrive at the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
A person takes a video as pilgrims perform Tawaf, the rite of circumambulating the Kaaba.
A person takes a video as pilgrims perform Tawaf, the rite of circumambulating the Kaaba.
Pilgrims pray in the evening near the Kaaba.
Pilgrims pray in the evening near the Kaaba.
A Saudi security officer watches as pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba
A Saudi security officer watches as pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba

Gulf

Hajj

Hajj 2021 latest: Live updates as pilgrims return to Mina before fajr prayers

Strict protocols in place at this year's pilgrimage due to coronavirus pandemic

The National

July 18, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Follow here for live updates or visit our dedicated Hajj 2021 page

About 60,000 faithful have almost completed their Hajj pilgrimage under strict health protocols to prevent new cases of Covid-19.

The pilgrims began arriving in Makkah on Saturday morning, where they passed through strict screening before being granted permits to take part in the second consecutive Hajj pilgrimage held under coronavirus restrictions.

The pilgrims' permits were checked by authorities before they were allowed to continue to the Grand Mosque in Makkah, where they began their pilgrimage by performing tawaf — circling the Kaaba anticlockwise seven times — while practising social distancing.

On Tuesday, pilgrims performed the stoning of Jamarat ceremony. The stoning ceremony is an emulation of Prophet Ibrahim’s stoning of the devil and marks the beginning of one of the most sacred Muslim holidays, Eid Al Adha.

Late on Tuesday evening, pilgrims returned to Mina for the night.

On Wednesday, pilgrims will perform five fajr prayers before returning to Jamarat.

Here is a video guide to all you need to know about this year's Hajj.


Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

While you're here
On Women's Day
The biog

Age: 23

Occupation: Founder of the Studio, formerly an analyst at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Education: Bachelor of science in industrial engineering

Favourite hobby: playing the piano

Favourite quote: "There is a key to every door and a dawn to every dark night"

Family: Married and with a daughter

While you're here
Signs%20of%20%20%20%20%20%20%20heat%20stroke
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20loss%20of%20sodium%20chloride%20in%20our%20sweat%20can%20lead%20to%20confusion%20and%20an%20altered%20mental%20status%20and%20slurred%20speech%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EBody%20temperature%20above%2039%C2%B0C%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHot%2C%20dry%20and%20red%20or%20damp%20skin%20can%20indicate%20heatstroke%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EA%20faster%20pulse%20than%20usual%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EDizziness%2C%20nausea%20and%20headaches%20are%20also%20signs%20of%20overheating%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIn%20extreme%20cases%2C%20victims%20can%20lose%20consciousness%20and%20require%20immediate%20medical%20attention%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
The Bio

Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village

What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft

Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans

Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface

While you're here
Read
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
RESULTS

6.30pm Handicap (TB) US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner Golden Goal, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer)

7.05pm Dubai Racing Club Classic Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (Turf) 2,410m

Winner: Walton Street, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

7.40pm Dubai Stakes Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner Switzerland, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar

8.15pm Singspiel Stakes Group 3 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m

Winner Lord Giltters, Adrie de Vries, David O’Meara

8.50pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Military Law, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.

9.25pm Al Fahidi Fort Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,400m

Winner Land Of Legends, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor

10pm Dubai Dash Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,000m

Winner Equilateral, Frankie Dettori, Charles Hills.

WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?

1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull

2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight

3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge

4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own

5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
War and the virus
On Women's Day
Brief scoreline:

Liverpool 2

Keita 5', Firmino 26'

Porto 0

MATCH INFO

Fixture: Ukraine v Portugal, Monday, 10.45pm (UAE)

TV: BeIN Sports

Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Scoreline

Swansea 2

Grimes 20' (pen), Celina, 29'

Man City 3

Silva 69', Nordfeldt 78' (og), Aguero 88'

While you're here
The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 582bhp

Torque: 730Nm

Price: Dh649,000

On sale: now  

The biog

Name: Fareed Lafta

Age: 40

From: Baghdad, Iraq

Mission: Promote world peace

Favourite poet: Al Mutanabbi

Role models: His parents 

On Women's Day
Read more about the coronavirus

'Project Power'

Stars: Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dominique Fishback

Director: ​Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman

Rating: 3.5/5

Mohamed bin Zayed Majlis

'Unrivaled: Why America Will Remain the World’s Sole Superpower'
Michael Beckley, Cornell Press

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Defence review at a glance

• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”

• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems

• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.

• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%

• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade

• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels

Tomorrow 2021
E-cigarettes report
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Company%20profile
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Planes grounded by coronavirus

British Airways: Cancels all direct flights to and from mainland China 

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific: Cutting capacity to/from mainland China by 50 per cent from Jan. 30

Chicago-based United Airlines: Reducing flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong

Ai Seoul:  Suspended all flights to China

Finnair: Suspending flights to Nanjing and Beijing Daxing until the end of March

Indonesia's Lion Air: Suspending all flights to China from February

South Korea's Asiana Airlines,  Jeju Air  and Jin Air: Suspend all flights

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The specs: 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Price, base: Dh138,000 (estimate)
Engine: 60kWh battery
Transmission: Single-speed Electronic Precision Shift
Power: 204hp
Torque: 360Nm
​​​​​​​Range: 520km (claimed)

Punchy appearance

Roars of support buoyed Mr Johnson in an extremely confident and combative appearance

Updated: July 21, 2021, 12:36 AM`
Hajj 2025Saudi ArabiaEid Al Adha 2025