Watch: Hajj pilgrims socially distance as they circle the Kaaba

Coronavirus restrictions are being strictly observed at Makkah this year

Pilgrims arriving at Saudi Arabia's holy sites in Makkah are keeping their distance from each other this year as they stick to strict coronavirus restrictions.

On an ordinary year, the Hajj draws up to three million visitors but this year the number of pilgrims has been capped at about 1,000, all Saudi Arabian residents, to contain the outbreak.

Places that are usually crowded with people are almost empty and those who do attend must maintain strict social distancing.

Protocols introduced this year were outlined to The National by Hamed Al Atebi, an official from the Makkah Health Authority – read more on zam zam water, sterilised stones and sanitising processes.