Millions of Muslim pilgrims are taking part in the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

All Muslims who are financially and physically able are required to perform Hajj once in their lifetime.

For many, standing on Mount Arafat before sunset is the climax of their journey.

Pilgrims - young and old - come from Muslim communities around the world to take part.

Pilgrims must walk seven times round the Kaaba, the imposing black-draped building at the centre of the Grand Mosque.

It is the life-long ambition of millions of devout Muslims to perform the Hajj.

Male pilgrims don the white, seamless Ihram robes for the duration of the rituals.

It is meant to be a time of harmony, with arguments and fights forbidden, along with hunting or killing animals.

Some get to visit the mountain cave where Muhammad is thought to have received his first revelation from God.

Women do not wear the Ihram robe, but must not wear anything against their face - even if that is their practice at home.

Security is key for the Saudi authorities and anyone without the correct papers is detained.

The Saudis want to prevent a repeat of the stampedes in which hundreds of pilgrims have died in past years.