• People gather to pray on top of the mountain, south-east of Makkah. AFP
    People gather to pray on top of the mountain, south-east of Makkah. AFP
  • People touch the pillar at the top of Mt Arafat, on Friday, during Hajj. AFP
    People touch the pillar at the top of Mt Arafat, on Friday, during Hajj. AFP
  • The pilgrims had set out for Mt Arafat before dawn, chanting as they walked. AFP
    The pilgrims had set out for Mt Arafat before dawn, chanting as they walked. AFP
  • They remain on the mountain until nightfall, while continuing to worship. AFP
    They remain on the mountain until nightfall, while continuing to worship. AFP
  • Pilgrims pray on top of Mount Arafat, near Makkah, in Saudi Arabia, during Hajj. AP
    Pilgrims pray on top of Mount Arafat, near Makkah, in Saudi Arabia, during Hajj. AP
  • Mount Arafat is also known as the Mountain of Mercy. AFP
    Mount Arafat is also known as the Mountain of Mercy. AFP
  • Pilgrims pray as dawn breaks. AP
    Pilgrims pray as dawn breaks. AP
  • It is believed to be the place where the Prophet Mohammed gave his final sermon more than 1,400 years ago. AFP
    It is believed to be the place where the Prophet Mohammed gave his final sermon more than 1,400 years ago. AFP
  • The Day of Arafat marks the second day of Hajj, when believers make their way to the mountain. Reuters
    The Day of Arafat marks the second day of Hajj, when believers make their way to the mountain. Reuters
  • Pilgrims pray on top of Mount Arafat. AP
    Pilgrims pray on top of Mount Arafat. AP
  • The pilgrims began to gather in the early hours. Reuters
    The pilgrims began to gather in the early hours. Reuters
  • Pilgrims gather at a pillar on Mount Arafat. Reuters
    Pilgrims gather at a pillar on Mount Arafat. Reuters
  • Pilgrims take part in early morning prayers on Mount Arafat. AP
    Pilgrims take part in early morning prayers on Mount Arafat. AP
  • Pilgrims were due to listen to a Friday prayer sermon at the Masjid Nimrah on the grounds of Arafat. AP
    Pilgrims were due to listen to a Friday prayer sermon at the Masjid Nimrah on the grounds of Arafat. AP
  • A female pilgrim reads the Quran on Mount Arafat. AP
    A female pilgrim reads the Quran on Mount Arafat. AP
  • This year’s Arafat sermon will be delivered by the head of the Makkah-based Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr Mohammed Al Issa. AP
    This year’s Arafat sermon will be delivered by the head of the Makkah-based Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr Mohammed Al Issa. AP
  • The sermon will be translated into 14 languages to convey a message of moderation and tolerance. Reuters
    The sermon will be translated into 14 languages to convey a message of moderation and tolerance. Reuters
  • After the sermon, Hajj pilgrims will then spend the afternoon praying on the mountain. Reuters
    After the sermon, Hajj pilgrims will then spend the afternoon praying on the mountain. Reuters
  • Pilgrims will then head to Muzdalifah after sunset, where they will be pick up pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil on Saturday. Reuters
    Pilgrims will then head to Muzdalifah after sunset, where they will be pick up pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil on Saturday. Reuters
  • A female pilgrim prays on Mount Arafat. Reuters
    A female pilgrim prays on Mount Arafat. Reuters
  • This year's Hajj gathering is the largest since 2019. Reuters
    This year's Hajj gathering is the largest since 2019. Reuters
  • Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat. Reuters
    Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat. Reuters

Hajj 2022 latest: Hajj pilgrims prepare for the Farewell Tawaf


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Top stories:

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has prepared to receive pilgrims in the final circumambulation - the Farwell Tawaf - where an influx of pilgrims entered the Grand Mosque on the second day of the days of Tashreeq from Mina in large crowds.

Pilgrims hailing from within the kingdom are scheduled to perform the farewell circumambulation on the 12th and 13th of Dhu Al Hijjah and 14th has been reserved for international pilgrims abroad.

Madinah has put in place all the necessary operational plans, in coordination with the relevant government agencies , to receive Hajj pilgrims that will arrive to the city to pray in the Prophet’s Mosque and visit prominent Islamic landmarks.

Muslims around the world celebrated Eid Al Adha on Saturday as pilgrims in Saudi Arabia began performing the final rituals of Hajj.

One million pilgrims converged on Saudi Arabia’s tent city of Mina on Thursday for the largest Hajj since the coronavirus pandemic strictly reduced access to one of Islam’s five pillars.

Follow the latest updates below…

MATCH INFO

Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)

Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm

Shooting Ghosts: A U.S. Marine, a Combat Photographer, and Their Journey Back from War by Thomas J. Brennan and Finbarr O’Reilly

War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday (UAE kick-off times)

Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)

Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)

West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)

Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)

Sunday

Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)

Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)

Everton v Liverpool (10pm)

Monday

Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)

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

Updated: July 11, 2022, 6:58 AM