Hajj pilgrimage 2026 - in pictures

Worshippers gather around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in Makkah. This year's annual Hajj pilgrimage starts on the evening of Sunday, May 25. AFP
Pilgrims perform Umrah around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, Makkah, before the start of Hajj 2026. Reuters
It is an emotional experience for many pilgrims, of which more than 1.5 million have arrived in Saudi Arabia from overseas for Hajj. AFP
A worshipper takes a photo of the Kaaba. The number of international visitors has exceeded that of last year, despite the conflict in the Middle East. AFP
The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam. AFP
Hajj must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means to do so. AFP
A devotee prays within sight of the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque complex in Makkah. AFP
Visitors begin to the arrive at the Grand Mosque for the big event. AFP
Muslim worshippers touch the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine. AFP