Hajj 2020: King Salman praises 'double efforts' to stage pilgrimage

Follow our coverage as Muslims take part in a very different pilgrimage this year amid the coronavirus pandemic

Pilgrims perform Tawaf Al Ifadah at the holy mosque in Makkah after stoning the Jamarat. Saudi Ministry of Media

Pilgrims perform Tawaf Al Ifadah at the holy mosque in Makkah after stoning the Jamarat. Saudi Ministry of Media

Pilgrims perform Tawaf Al Ifadah at the holy mosque in Makkah after stoning the Jamarat. Saudi Ministry of Media

Pilgrims perform Tawaf Al Ifadah at the holy mosque in Makkah after stoning the Jamarat. Saudi Ministry of Media

Pilgrims perform Tawaf Al Ifadah at the holy mosque in Makkah after stoning the Jamarat. Saudi Ministry of Media

Pilgrims perform Tawaf Al Ifadah at the holy mosque in Makkah after stoning the Jamarat. Saudi Ministry of Media

Pilgrims perform Tawaf Al Ifadah at the holy mosque in Makkah after stoning the Jamarat. Saudi Ministry of Media

Pilgrims perform Tawaf Al Ifadah at the holy mosque in Makkah after stoning the Jamarat. Saudi Ministry of Media

Pilgrims perform Tawaf Al Ifadah at the holy mosque in Makkah after stoning the Jamarat. Saudi Ministry of Media

A Muslim pilgrim wearing a face mask casts stones at pillars symbolizing the devil during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi Ministry of Media / Reuters

A Muslim pilgrim casts stones at pillars symbolising the devil in Mina. Saudi Press Agency / Reuters

A Muslim pilgrim casts stones at pillars symbolising the devil in Mina. Saudi Press Agency / Reuters

Women cast their pebbles at the devil. Saudi Press Agency / Reuters

Like other rituals during Hajj, Muslim pilgrims have kept to social distancing measures. Saudi Press Agency / Reuters

Pilgrims wait their turn to take part in the stoning of the devil ritual. Saudi Press Agency / Reuters

Pilgrims wait their turn to take part in the stoning of the devil ritual. Saudi Press Agency / Reuters

Pilgrims wait their turn to take part in the stoning of the devil ritual. Saudi Press Agency / Reuters

Saudi Hajj security personnel keep an eye on proceedings. Saudi Ministry of Media / Reuters

Muslim pilgrims head to cast stones. Saudi Ministry of Media / Reuters

Social distancing measures in place. Saudi Ministry of Media / Reuters

Signs are placed on ground to remind Muslim pilgrims to keep social distancing. Saudi Press Agency / Reuters

The streets of Makkah usually throng with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from all walks of life.

This year's Hajj will be attended by just over 1,000 Muslims when it begins on July 29 as the world grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.

Residents say it is the emptiest they have seen the holy city, which usually draws more than two million people during Hajj.

Follow our latest updates below:

• You can read more about what will be different this year and what happens at Hajj here
• Hajj rituals have continued in the face of crises for centuries