Hajj pilgrims beat the heat in Makkah - in pictures

  • The world's largest cooling system is operating at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, as more than a million Hajj pilgrims gather in the Saudi city. SPA
    The world's largest cooling system is operating at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, as more than a million Hajj pilgrims gather in the Saudi city. SPA
  • A cooling system with a capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tonnes aims to keep temperatures at the mosque between 22°C and 24°C. SPA
    A cooling system with a capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tonnes aims to keep temperatures at the mosque between 22°C and 24°C. SPA
  • The Grand Mosque houses the Kaaba and is visited by millions of worshippers every year. The oldest parts of the mosque date from the 16th century. SPA
    The Grand Mosque houses the Kaaba and is visited by millions of worshippers every year. The oldest parts of the mosque date from the 16th century. SPA
  • Cooling fans spray water over Muslim pilgrims on Mount Arafat, about 20km south-east of Makkah. AP
    Cooling fans spray water over Muslim pilgrims on Mount Arafat, about 20km south-east of Makkah. AP
  • A Muslim pilgrim cools off as they make their way to the Mina tent camp for the start of Hajj. EPA
    A Muslim pilgrim cools off as they make their way to the Mina tent camp for the start of Hajj. EPA
  • Cooling fans spray water over Muslim pilgrims on Mount Arafat. AP
    Cooling fans spray water over Muslim pilgrims on Mount Arafat. AP
  • A Turkish Muslim pilgrim cools off as she waits in Makkah, where temperatures have exceeded 40°C. AFP
    A Turkish Muslim pilgrim cools off as she waits in Makkah, where temperatures have exceeded 40°C. AFP