By ITP
In pictures: Saudi Red Crescent Authority ambulance service during the Hajj season
Two million Muslims from across the globe are converging on Makkah in Saudi Arabia for the hajj pilgrimage, a religious duty and for some pilgrims the journey of a lifetime.


Saudi Red Crescent paramedics show to the press their emergency equipment on August 28, 2017, ahead of the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.

Saudi Red Crescent paramedics show to the press their emergency equipment on August 28, 2017, ahead of the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.

Saudi Red Crescent paramedics show to the press their emergency equipment on August 28, 2017, ahead of the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.

A Saudi Red Crescent helicopter prepares to land as paramedics shows to the press their emergency equipment on August 28, 2017, ahead of the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.

A Saudi Red Crescent helicopter takes off as paramedics shows to the press their emergency equipment on August 28, 2017, ahead of the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.

Saudi Red Crescent paramedics show to the press their emergency equipment on August 28, 2017, ahead of the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.

Saudi Red Crescent paramedics show to the press their emergency equipment on August 28, 2017, ahead of the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.