The Latest Breaking News from Mecca

The Saudi Arabian government's new rules for the pilgrimage left many Muslims frustrated and disappointed. Some couldn't make the journey, and others were shocked by the conditions upon arrival.

The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a journey that every adult Muslim must make at least once in their lifetime, as long as they are physically and financially able to do so.

Israel's regional cooperation minister said on Thursday that he had asked Saudi Arabia to admit direct flights from Tel Aviv for Muslim pilgrims, pointing to a possible new accommodation by Riyadh ahead of next week's visit by U.S. President Joe Biden.

Pilgrims must now book travels via a new online portal which works on a lottery system, cutting out many agents.

One million pilgrims from across the globe are gathering in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform the initial rites of the hajj

Muslim pilgrims are converging on Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca for the largest hajj since the coronavirus pandemic severely curtailed access to one of Islam’s five pillars

Mecca's crowded streets provided Saudi merchant Dhikra Faqihi with much-needed relief as pilgrims returned to the annual haj after two years of pandemic-related disruption, with many rushing to buy her prayer beads and rugs.

International pilgrims will perform the annual ritual for first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020.

White-robed worshippers from around the world have packed the streets of Islam's holiest city ahead of the biggest Hajj pilgrimage since the coronavirus pandemic began. Banners welcoming the faithful, including the first international visitors since 2019, adorned squares and alleys, while armed security forces patrolled the ancient city, birthplace of…