The annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, has begun. More than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world have already arrived in Saudi Arabia, surpassing last year's numbers.
This year's pilgrimage takes place against a backdrop of regional tensions and a tenuous ceasefire in the war against Iran. Despite these security concerns and the instability caused by the conflict in the Middle East, foreign pilgrims continue to flock to Mecca.
For many, the opportunity to perform the sacrosanct Muslim rite has taken precedence over fears of the ongoing conflict. Saudi officials expect numbers to rise further as pilgrims express a willingness to take the risk to complete their pilgrimage.