Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, arrived in Mina on Thursday to oversee the organization of the Hajj pilgrimage.
He will oversee the services provided to the pilgrims and the facilitations aimed at ensuring they perform the holy rituals smoothly and safely.
Earlier Thursday, pilgrims gathered in Arafat to spend hours in worship and contemplation. The rocky hill holds immense significance in Islam. Arafat is mentioned in the holy Quran and it is where the Prophet Mohammad gave his last sermon on his final Hajj.
The Day of Arafat is the most sacred day of the year, when God draws near to the faithful and forgives their sins.
After sunset Thursday, pilgrims headed to the desert plain of Muzdalifah to collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual.
On Friday, they will head to the vast tent city of Mina to carry out the ritual.
