Fifty-two pilgrims returning from the holy city of Makkah escaped injury on Tuesday morning when their bus crashed outside Abu Dhabi. They were travelling home to Oman when the accident took place on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road. Police did not state what happened but the vehicle was pictured with damage to the front bumper and headlights. Department of Transport officials said the passengers are being provided with lodging, meals and drinks until another vehicle can be found. Hajj, which all able Muslims are required to perform once in their lifetime, begins on August 9 this year, lasting four to six days, but Umrah, or minor pilgrimage, can be undertaken at any other time of year.