Over Million Pilgrims Gather Mecca Amid Heat, Expanded Saudi Support

Saudi Arabia has declared operational readiness for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, with over 45,000 personnel deployed and enhanced logistical and technological measures to ensure pilgrim safety and comfort. More than 1.3 million pilgrims have arrived in Mecca amid extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius, prompting authorities to expand shaded areas, increase medical staff, and deploy hundreds of cooling units to mitigate heat-related illnesses following the deadly 2024 heatwave. The health system has provided over 91,000 medical services, including emergency care and surgeries, treating heat exhaustion and other conditions to safeguard pilgrims’ well-being. Advanced artificial intelligence and a new fleet of drones are being used to monitor crowds and manage data for improved safety and efficiency. Initiatives like the “No-Baggage Haj” program facilitate faster processing by separating pilgrim luggage from passengers. Despite the challenging conditions, many pilgrims expressed joy and peace in performing their rituals, underscoring the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.