A Saudi government spokesperson says more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims are in the country for this year's Hajj.

Muslims from around the world travel to participate in the Hajj each year, an annual sacred pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The big picture: The deeply spiritual journey, which every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim is expected to undertake at least once,

Millions will make the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The kingdom faces scrutiny over safety after more than 1,300 people died last year.