Mapping the global gathering of Hajj

More than 1.3 million pilgrims have gathered in Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj, with many travelling from around the world to perform rites and pray at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

The annual pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam. Every Muslim who is able to do so must perform Hajj at least once in their lives.

In our latest chart of the week, we take a closer look at who travelled from outside Saudi Arabia to take part in the pilgrimage in 2023 and 2024.

Global scale

In 2023, 1.65 million pilgrims from outside the kingdom participated in Hajj. That decreased the following year, with 1.59 million taking part, although the number of pilgrims from European countries increased.

However, in both years the vast majority of pilgrims, more than 60 per cent, came from countries in Asia.

Hajj logistics

In 2022, the Mataf – the open area around the Kaaba, in the Grand Mosque – was able to accommodate 107,000 pilgrims an hour, while the capacity of the mosque was two million, the General Authority for Statistics said.

An event of such magnitude requires careful planning from the authorities to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Saudi Arabia has imposed fines on anyone attempting to perform the pilgrimage without a permit, while drones are to be used to monitor crowds.

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Plastic tipping points

Millennials step up campaign against plastic

Woman with genetic disorder says single use plastics are 'vital' to her life

School uniforms report

Dh1,000 for a four-year-old: private schools' uniform policy leaves families out of pocket

• Remittance charges will be tackled by blockchain

• UAE's monumental and risky Mars Mission to inspire future generations, says minister

• Could the UAE drive India's economy?

• News has a bright future and the UAE is at the heart of it

• Architecture is over - here's cybertecture

• The National announces Future of News journalism competition

• Round up: Experts share their visions of the world to come

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat

More from this package

UAE 'urgently needs crisis helplines' for teenagers struggling with mental health

Netflix suicide drama 13 Reasons Why prompts young people in UAE to discuss mental health

Dubai teen campaigns for launch of a suicide helpline in UAE

Our commentary on Brexit

Alistair Burt: Despite Brexit, Britain can remain a world power
Sam Williams: Departure is influenced by its sense of place

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat

While you're here

Kareem Shaheen: Even a pandemic could not unite today's America

Michele Wucker: The difference between a black swan and a grey rhino

Robert Matthews: Has flawed science and rushed research failed us?

While you're here

Hussein Ibish: Biden's Covid-19 bill might be his most powerful political weapon

Thomas Helm: Billionaires are having a worse pandemic than you might think

Simon Rushton: Pandemic wealth uplift for 10 richest men could 'vaccinate everyone'

Millennials step up campaign against plastic

Plastic associations point to recycling and consumer behaviour for pollution

Our commentary on Brexit

Con Coughlin: Choice of the British people will be vindicated
Sam Williams: Departure is influenced by its sense of place

Our commentary on Brexit

Alistair Burt: Despite Brexit, Britain can remain a world power
Con Coughlin: Choice of the British people will be vindicated

More on this story

A mother’s plea for her children ‘illegally’ in UAE to be sent home to India

Illegal dependents can apply for visa amnesty, say lawyers

Overstay visa families told to settle cases before seeking amnesty

Towering concerns

A disappearing way of life: inside Abu Dhabi's old Tourist Club

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative

• Remittance charges will be tackled by blockchain

• UAE's monumental and risky Mars Mission to inspire future generations, says minister

• Could the UAE drive India's economy?

• News has a bright future and the UAE is at the heart of it

• Architecture is over - here's cybertecture

• The National announces Future of News journalism competition

• Round up: Experts share their visions of the world to come

UK's plans to cut net migration

Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.

Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.

But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.

Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.

Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.

The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.