The authorities in Saudi Arabia

Artur Aslanov of Russia talks with Muhammed Ahmed of Egypt Amr Nabil / AP 

Slide show from the pilgrimage: Most beautiful day of my life  

 

The authorities in Saudi Arabia have prepared for the biggest pilgrimage to Mecca in years, writes AFP. Over two million people are expected to participate.  

 

The ritual at Islam's holiest site began early Sunday morning.  

 

- It is the most beautiful day of my life. It's a dream come true, says 65-year-old Abdel-Azim from Egypt, who saved money for 20 years to be able to participate.  

 

Muslim pilgrims walk around the Kaaba Amr Nabil / AP  

 

A pigeon flies past pilgrims from Iran Amr Nabil / AP A 

 

pilgrim buys a money belt in a shop Fareed Khan/AP  

 

Um Safaa from Sudan protects herself from the sun Amr Nabil / AP  

 

Visitors from Kazakhstan eat food outside the mosque Amr Nabil / AP  

 

Saudi policewomen during a press conference before the pilgrimage Amr Nabil / AP 

 

Mood Fadly from Malaysia holds an umbrella for her mother-in-law Amr Nabil / AP  

 

Pilgrims from Afghanistan look into the photographer's camera Amr Nabil / AP  

 

Women from Tunisia outside the mosque in Mecca Amr Nabil / AP  

 

A Saudi policeman monitors the crowds in the world's largest mosque, Masjid al-Haram Amr Nabil / AP