Saudi Arabia Implements Safety Measures for Hajj Pilgrimage Amid Extreme Heat

More than 1.4 million Muslims have launched their Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca as Saudi Arabia enforces new safety protocols designed to prevent heat-related deaths, following a tragic death toll last year.

As the spiritual journey of Hajj begins, Saudi Arabia is prioritizing the health and safety of pilgrims amid soaring temperatures. Over 1.4 million Muslims have gathered in Mecca for this year’s pilgrimage, which prompts a strict set of guidelines aimed at reducing the risks associated with potentially fatal heat levels.

Last year, an alarming 1,300 pilgrims lost their lives primarily due to extreme heat, leading Saudi officials to act decisively. This year, measures have been enhanced with thousands of trees being planted and hundreds of cooling units installed throughout the holy sites. With weather forecasts predicting highs of 44°C (111°F), the country is determined to avoid a repeat of past tragedies.

In efforts to ensure safety, authorities have prohibited children under the age of 12 from participating and have imposed strict penalties on those attempting to enter Mecca without valid permits, with fines reaching up to $5,000 and potential 10-year entry bans. So far, officials have turned away over 269,000 individuals who attempted to access the pilgrimage unlawfully.

The majority of fatalities last year involved unregistered pilgrims, who unfortunately lacked access to essential facilities such as air-conditioned accommodations and efficient transportation as they faced temperatures exceeding 51°C (123°F). While some pilgrims opt for official Hajj packages costing from $4,000 to $20,000, others arrive in Saudi Arabia via tourist visas due to financial constraints.

The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five Pillars of Islam, takes place during the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Pilgrims start this sacred journey by donning specific garments, as men wear two white cloths and women don modest attire, covering their heads.

Upon arrival at the Grand Mosque, the holiest site in Islam, pilgrims perform sacred rituals, including the tawaf, where they circle the Kaaba three times. Following that, they journey to Mina to spend the night in tent cities before making their way to Mount Arafat.

In light of the extreme weather, the Saudi health ministry has issued detailed guidelines, advising pilgrims to limit sun exposure between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM and encouraging the use of umbrellas and regular hydration. Further efforts have included increasing shaded areas and developing a sophisticated cooling system in the Grand Mosque, reportedly the largest globally, as well as constructing rubberized roads aimed at lowering ground temperatures.

The use of artificial intelligence will assist in crowd management, monitoring drone fleets to ensure smooth operations. As pilgrims embark on their spiritual voyage, Saudi Arabia's commitment to their safety remains paramount.