As more than 1.4 million Muslims embark on this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to avoid tragedies associated with extreme heat, following last year's devastating toll of 1,300 fatalities, primarily due to high temperatures.
**Saudi Arabia Improves Safety Measures Ahead of Hajj Amidst Heat Concerns**
**Saudi Arabia Improves Safety Measures Ahead of Hajj Amidst Heat Concerns**
Authorities implement new guidelines and infrastructure to safeguard pilgrims as temperature fears rise.
The pilgrimage commenced this week, and with the forecast predicting sweltering temperatures climbing as high as 44°C (111°F), safety measures have been reinforced. Authorities have planted thousands of trees, installed hundreds of cooling units, and expanded shaded areas by approximately 50,000 square meters (12 acres) to help mitigate the heat.
To uphold safety compliance, the government has prohibited children under 12 from participating, and individuals attempting to undertake Hajj without a proper permit face severe penalties, including substantial fines and a lengthy entry ban into the kingdom. Officials reported having prevented over 269,000 people from entering Mecca without authorization. Past tragedies revealed that around 80% of the deceased last year were unregistered, often lacking essential air-conditioned shelters and other necessary accommodations amid blazing heat that reached 51°C (124°F).
The Hajj, an essential pillar of Islam, involves a series of rituals such as 'tawaf,' where pilgrims circle the Kaaba, and 'sai,' which requires them to walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa. Pilgrims will stay in tent cities in Mina, preparing for their visit to Mount Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon.
Health ministry officials emphasize that pilgrims should adhere to safety recommendations, including minimizing sun exposure during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM), utilizing umbrellas for shade, and maintaining proper hydration. The Grand Mosque is said to house the world's largest cooling system, further showcased through enhanced infrastructure, including cooled roadways and the deployment of artificial intelligence to manage crowd control through drones.
The ongoing initiative underlines Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of its pilgrims, drawing from past experiences to ensure that this year’s Hajj serves its spiritual purpose devoid of calamity.
To uphold safety compliance, the government has prohibited children under 12 from participating, and individuals attempting to undertake Hajj without a proper permit face severe penalties, including substantial fines and a lengthy entry ban into the kingdom. Officials reported having prevented over 269,000 people from entering Mecca without authorization. Past tragedies revealed that around 80% of the deceased last year were unregistered, often lacking essential air-conditioned shelters and other necessary accommodations amid blazing heat that reached 51°C (124°F).
The Hajj, an essential pillar of Islam, involves a series of rituals such as 'tawaf,' where pilgrims circle the Kaaba, and 'sai,' which requires them to walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa. Pilgrims will stay in tent cities in Mina, preparing for their visit to Mount Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon.
Health ministry officials emphasize that pilgrims should adhere to safety recommendations, including minimizing sun exposure during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM), utilizing umbrellas for shade, and maintaining proper hydration. The Grand Mosque is said to house the world's largest cooling system, further showcased through enhanced infrastructure, including cooled roadways and the deployment of artificial intelligence to manage crowd control through drones.
The ongoing initiative underlines Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of its pilgrims, drawing from past experiences to ensure that this year’s Hajj serves its spiritual purpose devoid of calamity.
