White-robed worshippers from all over the world pack the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's Mecca as Islam's holiest city prepares itself for the biggest hajj pilgrimage since the pandemic. Faithfuls are back in big numbers for the first time since 2019, gathering before the Kaaba, while armed security forces patrol the ancient city, birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed. One million people, including 850,000 from abroad, are allowed at this year's hajj -- a key pillar of Islam, and a must for all able-bodied Muslims at least once -- after two coronavirus-curtailed years. IMAGES