Huge crowds circle Kaaba as Hajj begins in Saudi heat

Vast crowds of robed pilgrims made solemn circles around the Kaaba, the black cube at Mecca’s Grand Mosque, on June 25 as the biggest Hajj pilgrimage in years began in the heat of the Saudi summer.

Vast crowds of robed pilgrims made solemn circles around the Kaaba, the black cube at Mecca's Grand Mosque, on June 25 as the biggest Hajj pilgrimage in years began in the heat of the Saudi summer.

Islam's holiest site is expected to host more than two million worshippers from 160 countries during the annual rites that could break attendance records, with 1.6 million foreigners already arrived by Friday evening.

The Hajj began early on Sunday with the "tawaf" -- the circumambulation of the Kaaba, the large cubic structure draped in black cloth with gold trimmings that millions of Muslims pray towards every day.

"I am living the most beautiful days of my life," said Abdel-Azim, a 65-year-old Egyptian as he performed the ritual.

"The dream has come true," said the retiree, who saved up for 20 years to pay the $6,000 fee to take part.

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken by all Muslims with the means at least once.

A series of rites are completed over four days in Mecca and its surroundings in the west of oil-rich Saudi Arabia.