Pilgrims return to Mecca for a farewell cruise as the rites end without incident
ARK News: Nearly 2.5 million pilgrims began returning to Mecca on Tuesday in preparation for a farewell cruise as the world's largest annual Muslim gathering nears completion without incident despite logistical challenges and mounting regional tensions.
Senior officials said that the rites had not seen any major accidents and that logistical, security and health plans had been successful despite heavy rains on some days.
The kingdom links its reputation with its supervision of the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina and the organization of Hajj. It hopes numbers will continue to grow to help boost the tourism sector.
The pilgrims threw stones at Mina before returning to the Grand Mosque in Mecca, which was filled with sectarians and worshipers preparing to leave.
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