The first batch of pilgrims take buses to leave one of the gathering points in Muslim holy city of Mecca to head to the holy site and start the welcoming Tawaf (circling of the Kaaba). Pilgrims are arriving in Mecca for the second downsized hajj staged during the coronavirus pandemic with only fully vaccinated residents permitted to participate. The kingdom seeks to repeat last year's success that saw no virus outbreak during the five-day ritual but nonetheless caused resentment IMAGES / TO COMPLETE: V045_9F89EF