Saudi Arabia: Muslims perform tawaf around Kaaba ahead of annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

SHOTLIST: MECCA, SAUDI ARABIA (MAY 19, 2026) 1. VARIOUS OF MUSLIMS PERFORMING TAWAF, CIRCLING AROUND KAABAMECCA, SAUDI ARABIA — MAY 19, 2026: Muslim pilgrims performed the Tawaf around the Kaaba on Tuesday, May 19, ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca. Dressed in simple white garments, the pilgrims circled the Kaaba in the heart of the holy city. The Hajj pilgrimage is the fifth pillar of the Islamic faith, a ritual that must be performed by all Muslims, if financially viable, at least once in their lives. The Hajj includes a number of rituals aimed at illustrating the fundamental concepts of Islam and commemorating the Prophet Abraham and his family's trials.