SAUDI ARABIA : With the holy city already brimming with 1.5 million pilgrims, Saudi authorities are racing against the desert heat to ensure a safer Hajj this year. The annual Islamic pilgrimage officially begins Wednesday and comes amid sweltering conditions, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40°C — a harsh reminder of last year’s tragedy, when over 1,300 pilgrims died in extreme heat.

Determined to prevent a similar disaster, Saudi Arabia has mobilised over 250,000 officials and coordinated efforts across 40 government agencies. This year’s preparations include 400 cooling units, 50,000 square metres of additional shaded areas, and thousands of medical professionals on standby. Hajj Minister Tawfiq Al Rabiah emphasised that the country is doubling down on heat mitigation after 2024’s searing 51.8°C conditions claimed hundreds of lives, especially among unregistered pilgrims.

Artificial intelligence and drone surveillance are now key tools in managing the massive influx, allowing authorities to monitor crowd movements and intervene in real-time.

Yet, the threat remains real. On Monday alone, 44 cases of heatstroke were treated, the Health Ministry confirmed.

To avoid overcrowding and ensure safety, Saudi Arabia has cracked down on unregistered pilgrims using drone patrols, text alerts, and security raids. Those attempting Hajj without permits risk arrest, deportation, heavy fines, and a 10-year ban.

The pilgrimage, one of Islam’s five pillars, must be undertaken at least once in a lifetime by Muslims with the means. For many, the journey is a spiritual milestone.

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