A Moroccan pilgrim aged more than 100 began his journey to Hajj through the Makkah Route Initiative at Rabat-Salé International Airport, receiving close attention from the moment he entered the initiative's lounge.

Walking with a stick, he recited the talbiyah, the devotional words pilgrims repeat during Hajj, his face showing a quiet joy at setting out, after a century of life, on the journey he had long awaited.

While his passport procedures were completed, he chatted briefly with the Saudi staff who accompanied him at every step. Smiling, they handled his documents with particular care, mindful of his age and of the sacred journey ahead of him.