Muslim pilgrims flock to Mecca for first Hajj post-pandemic

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Thousands of pilgrims started arriving in the holy city of Mecca on Friday as the 2022 hajj pilgrimage season is expected to see far more Muslims attend than the past two years, after major disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

An estimated one million are expected to attend, less than the 2.6 million seen in 2019, but far more than the past two years. Authorities said only one million could join this year, less than half of pre-pandemic levels, and access is restricted to those 18-65 who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and do not suffer from chronic diseases.

Despite the attendance limits, those who did arrive for the event said they're happy to return.

"We are here in the Grand Mosque and very happy," visitor Abed Albasit Almesbahi said.