Heavy crystal vials of Zamzam water, agate prayer beads and tapestries embroidered with calligraphy, such fine gifts are amongst the mementos that pilgrims performing the Hajj buy for their loved ones in Mecca and carry across the world when they return home.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre calls upon the public to submit souvenirs they collected on the Hajj, or gifts brought to from Mecca for the upcoming exhibition Hajj: Memories of a Journey. Participants are also asked to share their memories of the Hajj and the sacred city of Mecca.
For centuries, pilgrims performing the Hajj sold wares at Mecca and on their journey to fund their travels. Wall hangings and souvenirs from Mecca often have pride of place in the family home.
Hajj: Memories of a Journey will tell the story of the pilgrimage to Mecca through these keepsakes and the stories of their owners.
The exhibition, hosted in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, will open on the grounds of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on September 20, 2017, to coincide with the mosque’s 10th anniversary.
Those who wish to participate can email, opencall@tcaabudhabi.ae. Submissions are open until July 13, 2017.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Top goalscorers in Europe
34 goals - Robert Lewandowski (68 points)
34 - Ciro Immobile (68)
31 - Cristiano Ronaldo (62)
28 - Timo Werner (56)
25 - Lionel Messi (50)
*29 - Erling Haaland (50)
23 - Romelu Lukaku (46)
23 - Jamie Vardy (46)
*NOTE: Haaland's goals for Salzburg count for 1.5 points per goal. Goals for Dortmund count for two points per goal.
