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A Closer Look: Up to 2 million Muslims expected to make Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah

The National's Ali Al Shouk outlines what to expect from this year's pilgrimage

The National

June 13, 2024

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In A Closer Look, The National provides an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week

With around two million people making the trip each year, the Hajj – the pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia – is considered to be the world’s largest human gathering.

Every Muslim is required to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime, as long as they are physically, emotionally and financially eligible to do so.

This year, the ritual is taking place with the Israel-Gaza war on the minds of Muslims across the world, and amid warnings from Saudi officials about high temperatures.

Here, host Greg Tanner speaks to The National's senior news reporter Ali Al Shouk about the event, its history and expectations for this year’s attendance.

Read more

Thousands of Emiratis to make Hajj pilgrimage this week

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Hajj pilgrimage: in pictures

Muslim worshippers gather near the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. AFP
Muslim worshippers gather near the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. AFP
Muslim pilgrims at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AFP
Muslim pilgrims at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AFP
Muslims pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque. AFP
Muslims pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque. AFP
Fans spray water vapour to cool pilgrims at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AFP
Fans spray water vapour to cool pilgrims at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AFP
Pilgrims walk between the Marwa and Safa hills at the Grand Mosque. AFP
Pilgrims walk between the Marwa and Safa hills at the Grand Mosque. AFP
A pilgrim prays at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AFP
A pilgrim prays at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AFP
Worshippers gather around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AFP
Worshippers gather around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AFP
Pilgrims pray around the Kaaba. AFP
Pilgrims pray around the Kaaba. AFP
Pilgrims surround the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AFP
Pilgrims surround the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AFP
Hajj season at a shopping mall in Riyadh and a billboard reminds passers-by they need a permit to perform a pilgrimage. AFP
Hajj season at a shopping mall in Riyadh and a billboard reminds passers-by they need a permit to perform a pilgrimage. AFP
Hajj pilgrims in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir, leave for Makkah in Saudi Arabia. EPA
Hajj pilgrims in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir, leave for Makkah in Saudi Arabia. EPA
In Srinagar, a relative kisses a pilgrim before departure for the Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah. EPA
In Srinagar, a relative kisses a pilgrim before departure for the Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah. EPA
A Saudi welcome for pilgrims on their arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. AFP
A Saudi welcome for pilgrims on their arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. AFP
Yemeni pilgrims wish loved ones well as they prepare to board a flight from Sanaa airport to Makkah to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. AFP
Yemeni pilgrims wish loved ones well as they prepare to board a flight from Sanaa airport to Makkah to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. AFP
At Kashmiri Mashjid in Kathmandu, Nepal, relatives gather to wish their grandmother well as she leaves for Hajj in Saudi Arabia. EPA
At Kashmiri Mashjid in Kathmandu, Nepal, relatives gather to wish their grandmother well as she leaves for Hajj in Saudi Arabia. EPA
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