Haj 2025 begins under intense heat as Saudi Arabia focuses on heat prevention measures

MECCA, June 4 — More than a million worshippers are gathering under the scorching sun as the 2025 Haj pilgrimage begins today, with Saudi authorities working to prevent a repeat of last year’s deadly heatwave that claimed over 1,000 lives.

Temperatures are forecast to soar above 40°C as pilgrims, dressed in traditional white robes, begin circling the Kaaba — Islam’s holiest site located at the heart of Mecca’s Grand Mosque.

Roughly 1.4 million pilgrims have already arrived in Saudi Arabia for the multi-day spiritual journey, one of the five pillars of Islam, which every able-bodied Muslim with the means is required to perform at least once in their lifetime.

To address the extreme heat, authorities have introduced enhanced safety measures, including expanded shaded areas, additional medical personnel, and over 400 cooling units. These efforts aim to prevent a repeat of the 1,301 deaths recorded last year when temperatures peaked at a record 51.8°C.

On the first day of the pilgrimage, worshippers perform the tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times, before travelling to Mina — a sprawling tent city — and eventually ascending Mount Arafat for prayers at the site where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his final sermon.

Pilgrims must enter a state of spiritual purity known as ihram before reaching Mecca. This involves specific attire and conduct: men wear seamless white garments symbolising unity and equality, while women wear modest, loose-fitting white dresses that reveal only their hands and faces.

On Tuesday, pilgrims had already begun arriving in Mina, where they were welcomed with traditional Saudi hospitality, including coffee and dates.

“I’m overwhelmed with joy — it’s an incredible experience,” said 35-year-old Saudi pilgrim Reem al-Shogre, performing the Haj for the first time.

AI and Crowd Control

In response to last year’s tragedy, Saudi Arabia has deployed more than 250,000 personnel across 40 government agencies to strengthen heat-prevention efforts.

Haj Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah told AFP that, in addition to physical enhancements like 50,000 square metres of added shade, artificial intelligence systems and a fleet of surveillance drones will monitor crowds and provide real-time data to better manage the flow of pilgrims.

Most of the fatalities last year were among unregistered pilgrims who lacked access to cooled facilities. This year, authorities have intensified efforts to deter unregistered participants through security patrols, drone monitoring, and frequent public alerts via text messages.

Haj permits are issued to countries based on quotas and allocated to individuals through a lottery system. Due to high costs, many still attempt to perform the pilgrimage without permits — risking arrest and deportation.

Over the years, large crowds at the Haj have led to several tragic incidents, the worst being the 2015 stampede during the “stoning of the devil” ritual in Mina, which left up to 2,300 people dead.