CNN announces live coverage of the Hajj

CNN is the only international TV news network to provide such comprehensive coverage.

CNN anchor Hala Gorani will present live updates and reports from the Hajj for six days beginning Saturday, January 7. In addition, CNN will broadcast a half-hour special 'Hajj: The Essential Journey' on Saturday, January 7 at 1130 GMT, presented by CNN's Zain Verjee. In 'Hajj: The Essential Journey', distinguished scholars explain the importance of the sacred rituals, and pilgrims from around the world share their personal stories along the road to Mecca.

"The Hajj is a deeply personal journey for those who perform it but also an event of global significance for the more than 1 billion Muslims around the world. This coverage, which represents a significant logistical operation for CNN, reflects our commitment to the region and to offering our viewers unrivalled coverage of world events. The dispatches and reporting surrounding the Hajj provide a deeper, more nuanced look into one of the pillars at the heart of the religion," said Rena Golden, senior vice president of CNN International.

The Hajj coverage comes just two months after a week of extensive programming from the region. CNN's 'Eye on the Middle East' took an in-depth look at political, social and cultural trends affecting the region through interviews, special reports and live discussion forums.

'Hajj: The Essential Journey' airs Saturday, January 7 at 1130 and 1630 GMT and is repeated on Sunday, January 8 at 1230 and 2130 GMT. Key Hajj highlights will be shown daily at 1700 GMT from January 7-12 along with live updates throughout the day.