RIYADH, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Fifty Qatari pilgrims entered Saudi territory for the annual haj pilgrimage on Thursday after authorities opened the border crossing for the first time since a Gulf diplomatic rift in June, Al Arabiya TV reported.

The pilgrims entered as guests of the Saudi king, Al Arabiya said.

(Reporting by Katie Paul, editing by Larry King) ((Katie.Paul@thomsonreuters.com;))