Saudi Arabia prepares for hajj as Gulf tensions simmer

MECCA, Saudi Arabia - More than 2.5 million Muslims on Friday will begin the hajj pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, against a backdrop of tensions in the Gulf.

Crowds of worshippers have already begun to gather in Mecca in the days ahead of the hajj, the annual focal point of the Islamic calendar.

"It's the first time I've felt something so strongly - It's striking," said 40-year-old Indonesian pilgrim Sobar in rudimentary Arabic.