Thousands of Muslims from across the globe have descended on Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Worshippers from around the world have already arrived at the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) to pray during the huge 2018 gathering.
Three million Muslims were expected to gather round the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site.
Incredible photos have shown the sheer scale of those gathering at the cube-shaped shrine.
The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.
Dressed in white, a massive crowd of people from scores of countries today congregated at the Kaaba.
It is reportedly the largest single gathering of people on the planet, and officially begins on August 19 until August 24.
The Hajj is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith, which every Muslim is required to complete at least once in their lifetime, and is often the journey of a lifetime for some.
During the event, pilgrims spend five days praying, both in Mecca and in the surrounding desert.
