AFP, Jeddah
A multitude of Muslims from around the world gathered in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, making their final preparations for the annual hajj pilgrimage.
Saudi officials say over 1.6 million Muslims have assembled for the hajj, which begins on Monday, the eighth day of the month of Dhi al-Hajja under the lunar calendar.
Hundreds of thousands of Saudi faithful as well as foreigners living in the desert kingdom will also be taking part.
All Muslims are required to make the hajj to Makkah, in the western region of the kingdom, at least once in their lifetime if they have the means to do so. [Read more]