Intensifies Heat Safety Measures as 2025 Hajj Begins in Saudia

More than 1.4 million Muslims from around the world have arrived in the holy city of Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. As temperatures soar in the Saudi desert, reaching up to 44°C (111°F), Saudi authorities have launched extensive safety measures to protect pilgrims from the potentially deadly effects of extreme heat. This year’s Hajj follows the tragic events of 2024, when more than 1,300 pilgrims, most of them unregistered, died, many from heatstroke during sweltering 51°C (124°F) weather. Determined to avoid a repeat, the Saudi government has implemented several critical measures to safeguard participants.

A Sweeping Response to a Deadly Heatwave

Saudi officials have significantly expanded shaded areas by an additional 50,000 square meters (approximately 12 acres) and installed over 400 industrial cooling units throughout key pilgrimage sites. In Mecca’s Grand Mosque, the largest cooling system in the world is now operating at full capacity to regulate indoor temperatures and protect worshippers performing rituals like tawaf (circling the Kaaba) and sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa). Thousands of trees have also been planted in and around pilgrimage areas to provide natural shade and lower surrounding temperatures. Additionally, more rubberized and cooled road surfaces have been constructed to reduce ground-level heat exposure.

Strict Health Guidelines for Pilgrims

The Saudi Health Ministry has issued clear instructions for all pilgrims, emphasizing the importance of hydration, shaded rest, and avoiding sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pilgrims are urged to use umbrellas and drink water regularly, particularly during peak heat hours. Security and health teams are stationed throughout Mecca and key Hajj sites such as Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Mobile clinics, paramedics, and cooling stations have been deployed to ensure immediate care is available for anyone showing signs of heat exhaustion or dehydration.

Regulating Attendance and Preventing Unauthorized Access

In an unprecedented move, Saudi authorities have banned children under the age of 12 from participating in this year’s Hajj. Officials have also reinforced a strict permit policy, warning that those attempting to perform the Hajj without official registration will face a fine of $5,000 and a 10-year ban from entering the kingdom. As of early June, authorities reported turning away over 269,000 unregistered individuals attempting to enter Mecca. According to officials, 80% of the 1,300 deaths during the 2024 Hajj involved such unregistered pilgrims, many of whom lacked access to air-conditioned accommodations and official transport.

The Cost of Participation and the Issue of Accessibility

While the Hajj is a religious obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it, the cost of official packages, ranging from $4,000 to $20,000 depending on the country and level of service, has left many unable to afford legitimate access. Some pilgrims resort to entering Saudi Arabia on tourist or visitor visas, bypassing the system and exposing themselves to greater risks. Saudi officials have highlighted the importance of registering through official channels to ensure access to safety, healthcare, and regulated accommodations.

Technological Innovations and Crowd Management

This year, the Saudi government is deploying artificial intelligence and drone surveillance to monitor crowds and streamline movement. These technologies will aid in reducing congestion and responding quickly to medical emergencies or security threats. Pilgrims have also been directed to wear simple, heat-appropriate clothing. Men don two white seamless cloths, and women wear modest attire with their heads covered. Face coverings remain optional for women in the Ihram state.

A Sacred Journey Amid Modern Challenges

The Hajj remains one of Islam’s five pillars—a once-in-a-lifetime duty for Muslims who can fulfill it. This year’s pilgrimage began with prayers at the Grand Mosque, followed by the journey to Mina. On Thursday, pilgrims will travel to Mount Arafat, the site where Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon. The spiritual climax of Hajj will take place there, under the watchful eyes of thousands of volunteers, security personnel, and healthcare workers. While the pilgrimage is a time for deep spiritual reflection and unity, it also presents a significant logistical and public health challenge. With global temperatures rising, Saudi Arabia’s efforts to protect the faithful highlight the delicate balance between religious tradition and the realities of climate change.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to heat mitigation during the 2025 Hajj demonstrates a deepened commitment to pilgrim safety. As climate-related risks grow, managing large religious gatherings like the Hajj will require increasingly advanced strategies and compassionate policy decisions. The success of this year’s measures could serve as a model for future pilgrimages not only in Saudi Arabia but globally, as faith communities confront the effects of a warming planet.

Author Profile

Syed Tahir Abbas Shah

Syed Tahir Abbas is a Master's student at Southwest University, Chongqing, specializing in international relations and sustainable development. His research focuses on U.S.-China diplomacy, global geopolitics, and the role of education in shaping international policies. Syed has contributed to academic discussions on political dynamics, economic growth, and sustainable energy, aiming to offer fresh insights into global affairs.

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