Local media reported that Saudi Arabia has banned unauthorised vehicles from entering Mecca.

Traffic police have been deployed at the entry points into Mecca to prevent vehicles without permits from entering the city and holy sites, according to Public Security Spokesperson Brigadier Sami Al Shuwairekh.

According to Al Shuwairekh, pilgrim-carrying vehicles and cars of authorized supervisors and employees are exempt from the ban.

Every year, all modes of transportation are banned at entry points to the holy city, including cars, buses, and trucks.

After two years of major disruption caused by COVID-19, the Hajj season began on July 1.

With some carrying umbrellas against the burning sun, thousands of people performed the first ritual of the Hajj, which involves walking around the Kaaba, the sacred building at the heart of Mecca's Grand Mosque.