Muslim pilgrims take part in Friday prayers around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand mosque in the holy Saudi city of Mecca, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage on Friday (June 24).

Saudi Arabia welcomed its first batch of pilgrims since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, which prompted authorities to sharply restrict the number of visitors.

Footage by /APA

RESTRICTION SUMMARY: Mecca - 24 June 2022. Muslim pilgrims perform Friday prayer around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand mosque in the holy Saudi city of Mecca, during annual Hajj pilgrimage.

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Annual Saudi Arabia welcomed its first batch of hajj pilgrims since before the coronavirus pandemic, which prompted authorities to sharply restrict the annual ritual.

The Hajj, largest annual pilgrimage in the world, is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in the lifetime of every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so.

Footage by /APA