Entrepreneur Avi Jorisch, who brought 50 Jewish business leaders to Medina, recalls genuine curiosity by his hosts along with some difficult conversations

Pilgrims will be required to wear masks, observe social distancing during series of religious rites that are completed over five days in the holy city of Mecca and surrounding area

Pilgrim numbers reduced from annual 2.5 million to a select group of nor more than 10,00 who are being electronically monitored every step of the way for any COVID-19 symptoms

Hejaz Railway, built in early 1900s, ran from Damascus to Arabian Peninsula; brought hajjis to Mecca and Medina, moved military forces

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, 83, was first leader to be toppled by Arab Spring, viewed as bulwark against Islamist extremism, but muzzled opposition and shunned democracy