The pilgrims spent their last hours isolating themselves in their hotels in Makkah, on the eve of the rituals, with very few numbers participating, while the authorities were trying to prevent a new outbreak of the Corona virus between them.
About 10,000 residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participate in the hajj rituals, which continue over five days, compared to the 2.5 million pilgrims who attended last year.
"We do not have any security concern regarding our organizational plans," Saudi Public Security Director Lieutenant General Khaled bin Qarar Al-Harbi told the state-run Al-Ikhbaria TV channel on the eve of the rites.
He added: "The only danger that we are working to prevent this year is the risk of a pandemic, and how can we ensure the safety of pilgrims and make them perform their rituals without the epidemic being between them."
Pilgrims began arriving in Mecca over the weekend, and they were subjected to a temperature test and quarantined in the city's hotels. They were provided with a set of tools and supplies, including medical and sterile Ihram, stone pebbles, masks, a rug and a parasol, according to the authorities' "Pilgrim's Tour" booklet.
Pilgrims must be tested for the new Corona virus before they arrive in Mecca, and they will also have to quarantine after the pilgrimage.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said it has set up numerous health facilities and mobile clinics and equipped ambulances to meet the needs of pilgrims who will be required to adhere to social separation.