The British Museum will stage a pioneering exhibition on the history of the Hajj - the Muslim pilgrimage - bringing many never-before-seen treasures to the Western world from the holiest sites in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Malaysia and Timbuktu. Organising the show, which is due to run from 26 January to 15 April 2012, has entailed a year of discussions between the museum's director, Neil MacGregor, and Saudi diplomats, to ensure it is conducted with due sensitivity. Mr MacGregor and his team of Middle East curators met the Saudi Arabian ambassador in London to formulate a wish-list of treasures they hope to borrow. They also travelled to Saudi Arabia last month to discuss potential loans of artefacts. Read more