Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims arrived at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, June 13, to perform Tawaf Al-Qudum (Tawaf of arrival) before heading to Mina to mark the start of the annual pilgrimage of Haj on Friday, June 14.

Pilgrims perform the first tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) after assuming ihram, marking their arrival in Makkah.

The General Presidency for the affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has made significant preparations and dedicated resources to ensure the safety and smooth execution of holy rituals at the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque.