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epa10055162 A worker prepares the Kaaba Kiswa (cloth) at a factory ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 06 July 2022. The new Kiswa shall be delivered to the chief guardian of the Grand Holy Mosque on the first day of Eid al-Adha ahead of replacing the old one on the first Muḥarram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. Saudi Arabia this year is allowing one million Muslims, including some 850,000 from abroad, to make the annual Hajj pilgrimage, for the first time in two years since barring overseas pilgrims in 2020 as part of efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus. Rituals this year, starting on 07 July, will be open to faithful under 65, vaccinated against Covid-19 or provided a negative COVID-19 test result prior to travel. EPA/ASHRAF AMRA