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Muslims mark Eid Al Adha as pilgrims continue Hajj

Hajj pilgrims returned to Makkah early on Tuesday for the symbolic stoning ritual

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Muslims around the world celebrated Eid Al Adha on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the final rituals of the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Pilgrims returned to the Grand Mosque in Makkah from Muzdalifah plains early in the morning to start the Jamarat stoning of the devil ceremony.

In previous years, pilgrims have gathered small rocks at Muzdalifah, but because of Covid-19 this year the faithful were given a small sack of pebbles that had already been collected, to ensure they could maintain social distancing.

The stoning ceremony is a symbolic re-enactment of Prophet Ibrahim's hajj, where he stoned three pillars representing the temptation to disobey God. It marks the beginning of one of the most sacred Muslim holidays.


Some stood and prayed at the site, gathering on yellow markers laid down as a guide for social distancing.

The stoning came as Muslims around the world celebrate Eid Al Adha, a holiday marked by prayers and the sacrifice of a sheep, goat or cow - by those who can afford to - to give meat to family members and the poor.

  • Pilgrims take a selfie after the symbolic stoning ritual during the Hajj in Mina, near Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah. AP
    Pilgrims take a selfie after the symbolic stoning ritual during the Hajj in Mina, near Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah. AP
  • A woman pilgrim prays after the stoning ritual. AP
    A woman pilgrim prays after the stoning ritual. AP
  • Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar representing the devil, one of several rituals that form part of the annual Hajj. Reuters
    Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar representing the devil, one of several rituals that form part of the annual Hajj. Reuters
  • A pilgrim flings a stone at a pillar symbolising Satan. Reuters
    A pilgrim flings a stone at a pillar symbolising Satan. Reuters
  • An official in Mina, near Makkah, directs a pilgrim during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
    An official in Mina, near Makkah, directs a pilgrim during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
  • Coronavirus hit the Hajj for a second year running. An event that annually attracts about 2. 5 million Muslims from around the world this year is unrecognisable in scale with strict health restrictions in place.
    Coronavirus hit the Hajj for a second year running. An event that annually attracts about 2. 5 million Muslims from around the world this year is unrecognisable in scale with strict health restrictions in place.
  • Pilgrims at prayer after participating in the symbolic stoning of the devil during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
    Pilgrims at prayer after participating in the symbolic stoning of the devil during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
  • A pilgrim during prayer after the stone-throwing ritual.
    A pilgrim during prayer after the stone-throwing ritual.
  • Pilgrims cast stones in a ritual stoning of Satan during Hajj.
    Pilgrims cast stones in a ritual stoning of Satan during Hajj.
  • Pilgrims pray after the stone-throwing ritual in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
    Pilgrims pray after the stone-throwing ritual in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
  • A Hajj pilgrim in Mina, near Makkah, casts a stone at a pillar representing Satan.
    A Hajj pilgrim in Mina, near Makkah, casts a stone at a pillar representing Satan.
  • Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar symbolising Satan during the annual Hajj.
    Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar symbolising Satan during the annual Hajj.
  • A pilgrim prays after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
    A pilgrim prays after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
  • A worker distributes free water from the holy well of Zamzam to pilgrims.
    A worker distributes free water from the holy well of Zamzam to pilgrims.
  • A Saudi policewoman, Samar, stands in front of the Kaaba.
    A Saudi policewoman, Samar, stands in front of the Kaaba.
  • A pilgrim casts stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
    A pilgrim casts stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
  • Pilgrims throw stones at pillars symbolising Satan during Hajj in Mina, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
    Pilgrims throw stones at pillars symbolising Satan during Hajj in Mina, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Pilgrims have their heads shaved on the second day of Eid Al Adha after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
    Pilgrims have their heads shaved on the second day of Eid Al Adha after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
  • Pilgrims, keeping social distancing and wearing protective masks, cast stones at pillars symbolising Satan.
    Pilgrims, keeping social distancing and wearing protective masks, cast stones at pillars symbolising Satan.
  • Pilgrims pray on top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near Makkah.
    Pilgrims pray on top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near Makkah.
  • Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat during Hajj.
    Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat during Hajj.
  • A pilgrim prays in front of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the plain of Arafat, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
    A pilgrim prays in front of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the plain of Arafat, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Pilgrims gather around Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal Al Rahma, or the Mountain of Mercy.
    Pilgrims gather around Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal Al Rahma, or the Mountain of Mercy.
  • Muslim pilgrims at Mount Arafat.
    Muslim pilgrims at Mount Arafat.
  • Vaccinated pilgrims performing Hajj.
    Vaccinated pilgrims performing Hajj.
  • Pilgrims shelter from the sun under an umbrella.
    Pilgrims shelter from the sun under an umbrella.
  • Participants remained socially distanced and wore masks as the coronavirus took its toll on the Hajj for a second year running.
    Participants remained socially distanced and wore masks as the coronavirus took its toll on the Hajj for a second year running.
  • Officials replace the covering cloth of the Kaaba.
    Officials replace the covering cloth of the Kaaba.
  • Aerial view of the Mina area during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in the holy city of Makkah.
    Aerial view of the Mina area during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in the holy city of Makkah.
  • The Kaaba is covered with the Kiswa cloth.
    The Kaaba is covered with the Kiswa cloth.
  • Another view of the Mina area.
    Another view of the Mina area.
  • Pilgrims must be under 65 and without a chronic disease.
    Pilgrims must be under 65 and without a chronic disease.
  • Rules for the 2021 Hajj allow for a maximum of 60,000 citizens and residents Saudi Arabia.
    Rules for the 2021 Hajj allow for a maximum of 60,000 citizens and residents Saudi Arabia.
  • Pilgrims must show proof of Covid-19 vaccination to be allowed entry.
    Pilgrims must show proof of Covid-19 vaccination to be allowed entry.
  • It is the second consecutive year that numbers at Hajj are limited due to pandemic.
    It is the second consecutive year that numbers at Hajj are limited due to pandemic.
  • Muslim pilgrims, wearing protective face masks, circle the Kaaba.
    Muslim pilgrims, wearing protective face masks, circle the Kaaba.
  • Coronavirus precautions are taken across the site.
    Coronavirus precautions are taken across the site.
  • Pilgrims arrive at their tented camp in Mina, near the Muslim holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
    Pilgrims arrive at their tented camp in Mina, near the Muslim holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Time for prayer and reflection.
    Time for prayer and reflection.
  • For some worshippers, this year’s Hajj is a strange experience because it has been scaled down to such an extent.
    For some worshippers, this year’s Hajj is a strange experience because it has been scaled down to such an extent.
  • A pilgrim recites the Quran.
    A pilgrim recites the Quran.
  • Saudi pilgrim Irak al Dofairy, 65, reads the Quran on his mobile phone at a camp in Mina.
    Saudi pilgrim Irak al Dofairy, 65, reads the Quran on his mobile phone at a camp in Mina.
  • A pilgrim sits cross-legged.
    A pilgrim sits cross-legged.
  • .Mina sits in a narrow valley surrounded by rocky mountains.
    .Mina sits in a narrow valley surrounded by rocky mountains.
  • Visitors partake in the rituals of the great pilgrimage.
    Visitors partake in the rituals of the great pilgrimage.
  • Walking around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
    Walking around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
  • Back at the camp.
    Back at the camp.
  • The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, started with only 60,000 vaccinated Saudi citizens and residents allowed to take part this year because of the pandemic.
    The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, started with only 60,000 vaccinated Saudi citizens and residents allowed to take part this year because of the pandemic.
  • Pilgrims pour into Makkah for first Hajj rituals amid strict health measures.
    Pilgrims pour into Makkah for first Hajj rituals amid strict health measures.
  • A pilgrim takes a selfie at the Grand Mosque as he wears a mask and stands on social distancing signs.
    A pilgrim takes a selfie at the Grand Mosque as he wears a mask and stands on social distancing signs.
  • A total of 60,000 assembled in Mina on Sunday before moving to Arafat on Monday.
    A total of 60,000 assembled in Mina on Sunday before moving to Arafat on Monday.
  • Muslim pilgrims pray in front of the Kaaba.
    Muslim pilgrims pray in front of the Kaaba.
  • A robot sterilises an area of the Grand Mosque before Hajj.
    A robot sterilises an area of the Grand Mosque before Hajj.
  • The pilgrimage to Makkah is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it.
    The pilgrimage to Makkah is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it.
  • Muslim pilgrims pray at the Grand Mosque.
    Muslim pilgrims pray at the Grand Mosque.
  • Workers disinfect the grounds.
    Workers disinfect the grounds.
  • Muslim pilgrims walk around the cubic building of the Kaaba.
    Muslim pilgrims walk around the cubic building of the Kaaba.
  • A Muslim pilgrim walks past a sign reminding Hajj participants of social distancing.
    A Muslim pilgrim walks past a sign reminding Hajj participants of social distancing.
  • A pilgrims arrives to atend the Hajj season in Makkah.
    A pilgrims arrives to atend the Hajj season in Makkah.
  • Hajj authorities have been disinfecting the Grand Mosque around the clock to ensure pilgrims' safety.
    Hajj authorities have been disinfecting the Grand Mosque around the clock to ensure pilgrims' safety.
  • The pilgrimage remains a deeply personal experience for many, despite the downsizing for the second year running.
    The pilgrimage remains a deeply personal experience for many, despite the downsizing for the second year running.
  • A person can perform Hajj on behalf of someone who has died or is unable to come to Makkah but only if they have already performed the pilgrimage for themselves.
    A person can perform Hajj on behalf of someone who has died or is unable to come to Makkah but only if they have already performed the pilgrimage for themselves.
  • A man hands a bottle of water to a pilgrim at the Grand Mosque.
    A man hands a bottle of water to a pilgrim at the Grand Mosque.
  • The annual ritual is an important part of Islam.
    The annual ritual is an important part of Islam.
  • Pilgrims are dotted around the site.
    Pilgrims are dotted around the site.
  • Saudi troops stand guard as the first pilgrims arrive at the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
    Saudi troops stand guard as the first pilgrims arrive at the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
  • A person takes a video as pilgrims perform Tawaf, the rite of circumambulating the Kaaba.
    A person takes a video as pilgrims perform Tawaf, the rite of circumambulating the Kaaba.
  • Pilgrims pray in the evening near the Kaaba.
    Pilgrims pray in the evening near the Kaaba.
  • A Saudi security officer watches as pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba
    A Saudi security officer watches as pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba

Muslims believe the Prophet Ibrahim was commanded by God to sacrifice his son, Ismail, but God spared him and sent a ram in his place.

In an address on Tuesday morning, Saudi Arabia's King Salman wished Muslims around the world a blessed Eid Al Adha.

He spoke of the success of Saudi Arabia's fight against the pandemic and the work done to ensure a safe Hajj for all pilgrims.

“Praise be to God — in raising the operational capacity of the Two Holy Mosques and enabling those who visit them to perform rituals in a healthy and safe environment.”

  • Yemenis gather at the historic 12th century citadel of al-Qahira in Yemen's third city of Taez, during the celebrations of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.
    Yemenis gather at the historic 12th century citadel of al-Qahira in Yemen's third city of Taez, during the celebrations of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.
  • Yemenis gather at the historic 12th century citadel of al-Qahira in Yemen's third city of Taez, during the celebrations of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.
    Yemenis gather at the historic 12th century citadel of al-Qahira in Yemen's third city of Taez, during the celebrations of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.
  • A Senegalese Muslim from the Layene Brotherhood, a religious sect of Sufi Muslims, waits to attend Eid-al-Adha prayers, as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases spike, in Dakar, Senegal.
    A Senegalese Muslim from the Layene Brotherhood, a religious sect of Sufi Muslims, waits to attend Eid-al-Adha prayers, as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases spike, in Dakar, Senegal.
  • Palestinians enjoy the day on the beach during the Eid Al Adha festival in Tel Aviv, Israel. The major Muslim holiday, at the end of the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, is observed around the world by believers and commemorates prophet Abraham's pledge to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
    Palestinians enjoy the day on the beach during the Eid Al Adha festival in Tel Aviv, Israel. The major Muslim holiday, at the end of the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, is observed around the world by believers and commemorates prophet Abraham's pledge to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
  • Women enjoy themselves as they bathe in the Mediterranean Sea during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, in Tel Aviv, Israel.
    Women enjoy themselves as they bathe in the Mediterranean Sea during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, in Tel Aviv, Israel.
  • Iraqi children watch a show during the Eid Al Adha holiday in the Old City of Mosul in northern Iraq..
    Iraqi children watch a show during the Eid Al Adha holiday in the Old City of Mosul in northern Iraq..
  • A boy walks away from mosque after Eid Al Adha prayers in Dakar, Senegal.
    A boy walks away from mosque after Eid Al Adha prayers in Dakar, Senegal.
  • Bosnian Muslims visit Ravne Bakije cemetery during the second day of Eid Al Adha, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
    Bosnian Muslims visit Ravne Bakije cemetery during the second day of Eid Al Adha, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  • Senegalese Muslims attend Eid Al Adha prayers as Covid-19 cases surge in Dakar, Senegal.
    Senegalese Muslims attend Eid Al Adha prayers as Covid-19 cases surge in Dakar, Senegal.
  • A Rohingya Muslim refugee and children ride a scooter during Eid Al Adha at a refugee camp on the outskirts of Chennai, India.
    A Rohingya Muslim refugee and children ride a scooter during Eid Al Adha at a refugee camp on the outskirts of Chennai, India.
  • Muslims offer prayers on the morning of Eid Al Adha at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
    Muslims offer prayers on the morning of Eid Al Adha at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • Iraqis perform Eid Al Adha prayers at the Great Mosque of Kufa, 10km north-east of the city of Najaf.
    Iraqis perform Eid Al Adha prayers at the Great Mosque of Kufa, 10km north-east of the city of Najaf.
  • A woman takes a selfie with her friends after prayers at the historical Badshahi Mosque during Eid Al Adha in Lahore, Pakistan.
    A woman takes a selfie with her friends after prayers at the historical Badshahi Mosque during Eid Al Adha in Lahore, Pakistan.
  • Muslims offer prayers at Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan, for Eid Al Adha.
    Muslims offer prayers at Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan, for Eid Al Adha.
  • A young Muslim devotee offers prayers during the Eid al-Adha or the 'Festival of Sacrifice, in Ajmer.
    A young Muslim devotee offers prayers during the Eid al-Adha or the 'Festival of Sacrifice, in Ajmer.
  • Mosque workers sweep out rain water before others arrive to offer morning prayers for Eid Al Adha at Jama Masjid Khairuddin in Amritsar, India.
    Mosque workers sweep out rain water before others arrive to offer morning prayers for Eid Al Adha at Jama Masjid Khairuddin in Amritsar, India.
  • A Muslim family watches pigeons fly after Eid prayers at a Mosque in Chennai, India.
    A Muslim family watches pigeons fly after Eid prayers at a Mosque in Chennai, India.
  • Young girls pose for pictures while celebrating Eid Al Adha at Ibafo Mosque in Ogun state, south-west Nigeria.
    Young girls pose for pictures while celebrating Eid Al Adha at Ibafo Mosque in Ogun state, south-west Nigeria.
  • Albanian Muslims at Eid prayers in Skenderbeg Square, Tirana.
    Albanian Muslims at Eid prayers in Skenderbeg Square, Tirana.
  • A girl celebrates Eid Al Adha in the Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya.
    A girl celebrates Eid Al Adha in the Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Sheep are prepared for slaughter during celebrations of Eid Al Adha in Kazan, Russia.
    Sheep are prepared for slaughter during celebrations of Eid Al Adha in Kazan, Russia.
  • Balloon sellers wait for customers in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir.
    Balloon sellers wait for customers in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir.
  • A child arrives with his family to mark Eid Al Adha at the Blue Mosque in Taguig city, south of Manila, in the Philippines.
    A child arrives with his family to mark Eid Al Adha at the Blue Mosque in Taguig city, south of Manila, in the Philippines.
  • Children celebrate Eid Al Adha at an amusement park in Damascus, Syria.
    Children celebrate Eid Al Adha at an amusement park in Damascus, Syria.
  • Sultan Qaboos Street in the Omani capital Muscat amid a Covid-19 lockdown during Eid Al Adha.
    Sultan Qaboos Street in the Omani capital Muscat amid a Covid-19 lockdown during Eid Al Adha.
  • Muslims gather at the Huntington Bank Stadium during Eid Al Adha prayers and festivities in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the US.
    Muslims gather at the Huntington Bank Stadium during Eid Al Adha prayers and festivities in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the US.
  • A peanut seller prepares for Eid Al Adha in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
    A peanut seller prepares for Eid Al Adha in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • A blacksmith sharpens a knife at his shop in Karachi, Pakistan, before Eid Al Adha.
    A blacksmith sharpens a knife at his shop in Karachi, Pakistan, before Eid Al Adha.
  • Muslims pray during Eid Al Adha in the street in front of the mosque in Adjame, a popular neighbourhood of Abidjan, in the Ivory Coast.
    Muslims pray during Eid Al Adha in the street in front of the mosque in Adjame, a popular neighbourhood of Abidjan, in the Ivory Coast.
  • Muslim families celebrate Eid Al Adha in Southall Park in Southall, England.
    Muslim families celebrate Eid Al Adha in Southall Park in Southall, England.
  • Palestinians celebrate Eid Al Adha at Al Aqsa compound in Jerusalem's Old City.
    Palestinians celebrate Eid Al Adha at Al Aqsa compound in Jerusalem's Old City.
  • Shoppers at Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai.
    Shoppers at Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai.
  • Afghans arrive at a mosque to offer Eid Al Adha prayers in Herat, Afghanistan
    Afghans arrive at a mosque to offer Eid Al Adha prayers in Herat, Afghanistan
  • Eid Al Adha morning prayers at Sheikh Hazza bin Sultan Mosque on Electra Street in Abu Dhabi.
    Eid Al Adha morning prayers at Sheikh Hazza bin Sultan Mosque on Electra Street in Abu Dhabi.
  • Palestinians celebrate Eid Al Adha at Al Aqsa.
    Palestinians celebrate Eid Al Adha at Al Aqsa.
  • Iraqi Muslims offer Eid Al Adha prayers on the street outside Abu Hanifa Mosque in Baghdad's Adhamiya district.
    Iraqi Muslims offer Eid Al Adha prayers on the street outside Abu Hanifa Mosque in Baghdad's Adhamiya district.
  • Muslims gather to pray at the Islamic Centre Mosque to mark Eid Al Adha in Lhokseumawe, in Aceh, Indonesia.
    Muslims gather to pray at the Islamic Centre Mosque to mark Eid Al Adha in Lhokseumawe, in Aceh, Indonesia.
  • Indonesian Muslims offer Eid Al Adha prayers on the street amid a surge of Covid-19 cases in Bandung, West Java province, Indonesia.
    Indonesian Muslims offer Eid Al Adha prayers on the street amid a surge of Covid-19 cases in Bandung, West Java province, Indonesia.
  • Muslims offer prayers during the first day of Eid Al Adha, outside the Hagia Sophia in the historic Sultan Ahmed district of Istanbul, Turkey.
    Muslims offer prayers during the first day of Eid Al Adha, outside the Hagia Sophia in the historic Sultan Ahmed district of Istanbul, Turkey.
  • Malaysian Muslims prepare a cow for slaughter as a sacrifice during Eid Al Adha celebrations in Kuala Lumpur.
    Malaysian Muslims prepare a cow for slaughter as a sacrifice during Eid Al Adha celebrations in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Indonesians arrange pieces of meat before distribution during Eid Al Adha celebrations in Depok, West Java, Indonesia.
    Indonesians arrange pieces of meat before distribution during Eid Al Adha celebrations in Depok, West Java, Indonesia.
  • A Palestinian woman prepares sweets for Eid Al Adha in the West Bank city of Nablus.
    A Palestinian woman prepares sweets for Eid Al Adha in the West Bank city of Nablus.
  • A seller arranges oriental sweets at his shop at Al Midan market in Damascus, Syria.
    A seller arranges oriental sweets at his shop at Al Midan market in Damascus, Syria.
  • A Palestinian carries his child before the Eid Al Adha holiday, near the rubble of Al Shurouq tower in Gaza City's Al Rimal neighbourhood, which was hit by Israeli air strikes in May fighting.
    A Palestinian carries his child before the Eid Al Adha holiday, near the rubble of Al Shurouq tower in Gaza City's Al Rimal neighbourhood, which was hit by Israeli air strikes in May fighting.
  • Eid Al Adha shoppers at Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi.
    Eid Al Adha shoppers at Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi.

King Salman went on to thank all those who were stationed in Makkah for helping to ensure a smooth Hajj.

“I ask God to accept their pilgrimages, and from all Muslims, their good deeds, and that the Almighty will return this feast to the Islamic nation as it enjoys security, stability, safety and prosperity.”

Like so many around the world, the pilgrims also marked Eid.

“The first thing I did was FaceTime my grandchildren and children and now it feels like Eid,” Fatima, a Moroccan pilgrim, told The National in Makkah.

“I had to see their faces … They are so excited and happy for me, and even though they miss me, this is the best place for me to be. May God accept our Hajj.”

Stoning of the devil rituals

The mask-clad faithful at Hajj, who spent Monday night at camps in the Valley of Mina, converged on Mount Arafat on Monday where it is believed the Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon, for the most important of the Hajj rituals.

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam and a must for able-bodied Muslims with the means to travel at least once in their lifetime, is usually one of the world's largest religious gatherings, but it has been held in a downsized form under coronavirus limits for the second year running.

Just 60,000 people, all citizens or residents of Saudi Arabia, were selected to take part in this year's Hajj, with foreign pilgrims again barred.

Participants were chosen this year from more than 558,000 applicants through an online vetting system, with the event confined to fully vaccinated adults aged 18-65 with no chronic illnesses.

After the first stoning, pilgrims offer their own sacrifices, but this year for safety reasons that is being done through an online token system.

“I paid 799 Saudi riyals ($213) online for my sacrifice,” one pilgrim said.

Female pilgrims cut a lock of their hair and men opt to either cut or shave their heads.

Pilgrims will throw pebbles in the symbolic stoning of the devil rituals over the next three days, before heading to the Grand Mosque to perform the farewell Tawaf to complete their Hajj.

Misting devices installed by the authorities helped ease the hot conditions as the pilgrims performed the rites in the glare of the Gulf summer.

The kingdom has recorded more than 509,000 coronavirus infections to date, and more than 8,000 deaths. Some 20 million vaccine doses have been administered in the country of more than 34 million people.

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Gothia Cup 2025

4,872 matches 

1,942 teams

116 pitches

76 nations

26 UAE teams

15 Lebanese teams

2 Kuwaiti teams

MATCH INFO

Europa League semi-final, second leg
Atletico Madrid (1) v Arsenal (1)
Where: Wanda Metropolitano
When: Thursday, May 3
Live: On BeIN Sports HD

GREATEST ROYAL RUMBLE CARD

The line-up as it stands for the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia on April 27

50-man Royal Rumble

Universal Championship
Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns

Casket match
The Undertaker v Rusev

Intercontinental Championship
Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe

SmackDown Tag Team Championship
The Bludgeon Brothers v The Usos

Raw Tag Team Championship
Sheamus and Cesaro v Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy

United States Championship
Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal

Singles match
Triple H v John Cena

To be confirmed
AJ Styles will defend his WWE World Heavyweight title and Cedric Alexander his Cruiserweight Championship, but matches have yet to be announced

Neighbourhood Watch
Tonight's Chat on The National

Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National. The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.

Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster who has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others.

Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.

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Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

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Awar Qalb

Director: Jamal Salem

Starring: Abdulla Zaid, Joma Ali, Neven Madi and Khadija Sleiman

Two stars

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Strait of Hormuz

Fujairah is a crucial hub for fuel storage and is just outside the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route linking Middle East oil producers to markets in Asia, Europe, North America and beyond.

The strait is 33 km wide at its narrowest point, but the shipping lane is just three km wide in either direction. Almost a fifth of oil consumed across the world passes through the strait.

Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the strait, a move that would risk inviting geopolitical and economic turmoil.

Last month, Iran issued a new warning that it would block the strait, if it was prevented from using the waterway following a US decision to end exemptions from sanctions for major Iranian oil importers.

Five expert hiking tips
    Always check the weather forecast before setting off Make sure you have plenty of water Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon Wear appropriate clothing and footwear Take your litter home with you
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELeap%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202021%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ziad%20Toqan%20and%20Jamil%20Khammu%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 Dodge Durango SRT

Price, base / as tested: Dh259,000

Engine: 6.4-litre V8

Power: 475hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque: 640Nm @ 4,300rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Fuel consumption, combined: 7.7L / 100km

The specs: Volvo XC40

Price: base / as tested: Dh185,000

Engine: 2.0-litre, turbocharged in-line four-cylinder

Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 250hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 350Nm @ 1,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 10.4L / 100km

THE BIO:

Favourite holiday destination: Thailand. I go every year and I’m obsessed with the fitness camps there.

Favourite book: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. It’s an amazing story about barefoot running.

Favourite film: A League of their Own. I used to love watching it in my granny’s house when I was seven.

Personal motto: Believe it and you can achieve it.

FIXTURES

Monday, January 28
Iran v Japan, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)

Tuesday, January 29
UAEv Qatar, Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)

Friday, February 1
Final, Zayed Sports City Stadium (6pm)

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Lee%20Sang-yong%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Don%20Lee%2C%20Lee%20Jun-hyuk%2C%20Munetaka%20Aoki%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable
Amitav Ghosh, University of Chicago Press

Test

Director: S Sashikanth

Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan

Star rating: 2/5

UAE%20FIXTURES
%3Cp%3EWednesday%2019%20April%20%E2%80%93%20UAE%20v%20Kuwait%3Cbr%3EFriday%2021%20April%20%E2%80%93%20UAE%20v%20Hong%20Kong%3Cbr%3ESunday%2023%20April%20%E2%80%93%20UAE%20v%20Singapore%3Cbr%3EWednesday%2026%20April%20%E2%80%93%20UAE%20v%20Bahrain%3Cbr%3ESaturday%2029%20April%20%E2%80%93%20Semi-finals%3Cbr%3ESunday%2030%20April%20%E2%80%93%20Third%20position%20match%3Cbr%3EMonday%201%20May%20%E2%80%93%20Final%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

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More on Covid-19
While you're here

Like a Fading Shadow

Antonio Muñoz Molina

Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez

Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)

While you're here
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Crisis in Lebanon
The Vile

Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

Key Points
  • Protests against President Omar Al Bashir enter their sixth day
  • Reports of President Bashir's resignation and arrests of senior government officials
Company Fact Box

Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup 

Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.

Turkish Ladies

Various artists, Sony Music Turkey 

Brief scores:

Scotland 371-5, 50 overs (C MacLeod 140 no, K Coetzer 58, G Munsey 55)

England 365 all out, 48.5 overs (J Bairstow 105, A Hales 52; M Watt 3-55)

Result: Scotland won by six runs

Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion

The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".

The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.

He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.

"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.

As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.

Updated: July 21, 2021, 8:08 AM
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