(8 Aug 2019) Muslim pilgrims were on Thursday boarding a new high-speed train from Medina to Mecca to take part in the annual hajj pilgrimage. Over two million Muslims from around the world were expected to begin the five-day hajj pilgrimage on Friday.
They will circle Islam's most sacred site, the cube-shaped Kaaba in Mecca, and take part in a series of ancient rituals intended to bring about greater humility and unity among Muslims.
The journey from Medina to Mecca by the high-speed Spanish built railway would take three hours, with the train travelling at a speed of 300 kilometres per hour (186.4 miles per hour).
Pilgrims on board on Thursday praised the new service.
"Before it used to take five and a half to six hours depending on the admission facilities, to Mecca," said Egyptian pilgrim Mohammad Amine.
Saudi authorities announced on Wednesday that the number of pilgrims from outside the kingdom had reached more than 1.83 million.
The hajj this year comes at a time of heightened sectarian and political tensions in the Persian Gulf and as Muslim minorities in China, Myanmar and other countries face increased threats and even attacks.
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