00:00Millions of Muslim pilgrims from around the world are arriving in Mecca as this year's Hajj season gets underway.
00:08Al-Arabia English reporter Mazen Sami is there and he sent us this very report.
00:14Operations are now in full force as Saudi Arabia welcomes pilgrims from around the world for the Hajj season.
00:19I'm currently at the Al-Shumaisi Security Control Centre, one of the key entry points into Mecca.
00:24This is where teams are working around the clock to monitor traffic, verify Hajj permits and help keep pilgrim movements
00:30running smoothly.
00:32The centre is one of six main security control points on the road leading into the Holy City.
00:37It covers around 1.6 million square metres and has been expanded from six lanes to 16 with dedicated routes
00:44for buses, transport vehicles and trucks.
00:47The aim is to reduce waiting times, improve traffic flow and make sure only authorised pilgrims and vehicles continue toward
00:54Mecca.
00:55So pilgrims from around the world are continuing to arrive in Saudi Arabia.
00:59Many are dressed in Ahram preparing for what they describe as the journey of a lifetime.
01:05I saw many people today who were visibly emotional, others smiling, praying or taking photos as they absorb the significance
01:14of the moment.
01:14For Muslims, Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam.
01:18Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to perform it once in their lifetime.
01:24And one of the most recognisable parts of Hajj is Ahram.
01:27For men, that usually means two simple white pieces of cloth while women wear modest clothing.
01:33But Ahram is not only about what pilgrims wear.
01:36It is also a spiritual state.
01:38The idea is that everyone stands before God in the same simple state, regardless of nationality, wealth or status.
01:46Beyond the spiritual importance, Hajj is also one of the world's largest annual logistical and security operations.
01:53Here at Al-Shumaisi, security teams are using smart systems to support inspection, sorting and electronic permit checks.
02:00Officers can verify permits and identify through smart devices, facial recognition and fingerprints.
02:06Authorities say drones, thermal cameras and live monitoring vehicles are also being used to send real-time images to operation
02:14rooms and control centers.
02:16That allows officials to monitor movement, respond quickly and make decisions based on what is happening on the ground.
02:24In the coming days, pilgrims will move through key Hajj sites, including Mina, Mount Arafah, Muzdalifah and Jamarat, as they
02:32follow the main stages of the pilgrimage.
02:35For many, this is an emotional and life-changing experience, and some have waited years to be here.
02:41Mazen Sameh, Al-Arabiya English.
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