Ramadan 2022: stunning images show Makkah from above as Muslims observe holy month

City is alive with visitors from all over the world for the first time since the Covid-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic

During Ramadan 2020 and 2021 international visitors were barred from entering Saudi Arabia, but this year they have returned. SPA

Itikaf prayers at the Grand Mosque have also been allowed once more. SPA

During Ramadan, worshippers are met at the Grand Mosque with the smell of oud from more than 20 incense burners, which will be increased to 60 in the last 10 days of the fast. AFP

A Muslim woman prays in front of the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque. AFP

Saudi Arabia says it will permit one million Muslims from inside and outside the country to participate in this year's hajj. @SPA twitter

Muslim pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba. AFP

Muslims pray around the Kaaba. AFP

Makkah is alive with visitors from all over the world for the first time since the Covid-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic. AFP

Images capturing the movement of worshippers during Ramadan in Makkah from above are giving those not able to be there a special view.

The photographs were taken by the Saudi Press Agency more than 1,000 metres above the Saudi city, with the assistance of the kingdom's security aviation section.

They showed Muslims circling the Kaaba and gathering in squares in the city, nestled between the mountains.

Makkah is alive with visitors from all over the world during the holy month, for the first time since the Covid-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic.

In Ramadan 2020 and 2021, international visitors were barred from entering Saudi Arabia, but this year they have returned.

Itikaf prayers at both Grand Mosques have also been allowed once more.

All worshippers are met at the Grand Mosque with the smell of oud from more than 20 incense burners, which will be increased to 60 in the last 10 days of the fast.

Oud is also burnt during each prayer time at the Kaaba.

To help pilgrims stay cool, eight million litres of Zamzam water have been distributed at the Grand Mosque so far.

Volunteers carried 250 backpacks and 91 carts of bottles and vats of water. The area is kept pristine by 4,000 staff who have cleaned the Grand Mosque 100 times since Ramadan began.

Mosques from space - in pictures