Balquees Basalom

Salat al kusoof is not mandatory but advised because the Prophet Mohammed performed it as a reminder of God's greatness

A new cover for the Kaaba is made every year before the annual pilgrimage begins

'The National' was given rare access to the centre where the kingdom's police dogs are trained

Customs authorities are battling smugglers who supply the kingdom's drug-takers in the world's biggest Captagon market

In a series of articles, 'The National' reveals how the small white amphetamine pills are affecting the region

The mind understood why there were far fewer pilgrims this time, yet the heart pined for the crowds and the noise of the past years

Pilgrimage is far smaller than previous years, with only vaccinated people allowed

Technology and strict guidelines helped keep pilgrims safe from Covid-19 this year

As the sun sets on Mina, The National takes a look at the Eid celebrations in the pilgrim camps.

Volunteers describe the honour and responsibility of 'an experience like no other'

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

After performing the Hajj stoning ritual, men either have their hair cut short or shaved off. Women cut the length of a fingertip from their hair.

Pilgrims threw stones at Jamrat Al Aqabah on the third day of Hajj.

Permits checked and buses sealed before faithful are taken to the Grand Mosque

A total of 100 health professionals have been selected to keep pilgrims safe, with one group specifically assigned to ensure Covid-19 protocols are observed