Millions of Muslim pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for Haj, as they retrace a route taken by the Prophet Mohammed.<br />This year a metro line between Haj sites is operating for the first time to help reduce overcrowding.<br /><br />Sunrise over Saudi Arabia during one of the holiest of seasons.<br /><br />It's here -- in the city of Mina, just east of Mecca -- that millions of Muslim faithful prepare for the Haj pilgrimage.<br /><br />The Haj is one of the world's largest religious gatherings, and is a duty for all able-bodied Muslims.<br /><br />Many have waited years for a visa to be here.<br /><br />Pilgrims head towards encampments, hoping to trace the path of the Prophet Mohammed's last pilgrimage 14 centuries ago.<br /><br />[Mahboob Bangosh, Canadian Pilgrin]<br />"You are part of a group. And all these things that are basic ritual, like this cloth, they are basically making you equal to everyone. That is the main spirit of Haj."<br /><br />This year a metro line between Haj sites is operating for the first time to help reduce overcrowding. <br /><br />A stampede of pilgrims in 2006 killed 362 people, and Saudi authorities have looked to improve facilities.<br /><br />Security is also tight this year amid fears of attack by al Qaeda's regional wing -- but the group has denied any plans to disrupt the pilgrimage.<br /><br />The Haj will last for five days and will see millions of pilgrims arriving from around the world.
