Millions of Muslims are preparing to undertake Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and one of the central pillars of Islam. Among them are British pilgrims getting ready to travel from London, each with their own hopes for the days ahead.

Saudi officials say they have stopped more than 269,000 Muslims without permits for the Hajj pilgrimage from entering Mecca.

The start of Dhul Hijjah leads to the Hajj, a holy pilgrimage for Muslims, and Saudi Arabia has confirmed the Hajj start date. Here's when it begins.

Mecca: Saudi Arabia launches Hajj permit crackdown in bid to stop heat deaths - Saudi officials said they had stopped 269,678 people without permits from entering the city

The authorities of Saudi Arabia’s security forces say they have deployed more than 40,000 security personnel to secure the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage and respond swiftly to any threats that may endanger pilgrims.

Ugandan Muslim pilgrims currently undertaking the Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have commended the Saudi authorities for their exceptional organisation and management of the annual Islamic pilgrimage.

Ahead of the Hajj peak in Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, Saudi Arabia issued nine important recommendations for pilgrims to follow.

Last year, 1,301 pilgrims, most unregistered and lacking access to air-conditioned facilities, died as temperatures soared to 51.8 degrees Celsius.

Digital solutions provider Globacom has said that it is offering an unprecedented deal to Nigerians travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj or for a holiday.

The number of licensed rooms in hospitality facilities in the city of Makkah has exceeded 300,000 rooms, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism ann