Second scaled-back Hajj of COVID pandemic comes to an end in Islamic holy city of Mecca

According to Saudi media reports, there were no major incidents during the annual five-day ritual that before the pandemic would attract some 2.5 million Muslims from all over the world. But, similar to 2020, only about 60,000 worshippers living in Saudi Arabia were allowed to participate this year to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus. The pilgrimage is usually the largest gathering of Muslims in the world. Only fully vaccinated people from Saudi Arabia aged between 18 and 65 were permitted to undertake the ritual this year. This time pilgrims used a 'smart card,' which provided access to sleeping camps and hotels as well as transportation. The card was also used as a means of payment and, in combination with an associated mobile phone app, to help people find their way around. At the same time, the aim was to take action against illegal pilgrims - those participants who had not registered in advance and who had not paid a fee. One of the five pillars of Islam, the Hajj is a mandatory duty for all Muslims to complete once in a lifetime, if they have the financial and physical means to do so. Many people save for years, or a lifetime, to make the long journey. The pilgrimage, which may be organized by travel agencies and tour providers, can quickly cost a worshipper several thousand dollars.