Preparing for Potential Challenges in the Scorching Hajj Pilgrimage by Saudi Arabia
In 2024, scorching temperatures during the Hajj pilgrimage claimed over 1,300 lives in the arid desert heat. With temperatures forecast to rise again this year, Saudi authorities are on high alert to avoid a repeat of last year's disaster. Already, health officials have logged 44 cases of heat exhaustion as the vast religious gathering gets underway.
Abdullah Asiri, Saudi Arabia's deputy minister for population health, acknowledges the heat as a magnitude concern, stating, "The focus is on heat-related conditions because the Hajj coincides with extreme heat." Brimming with staff but currently patient-free, the Mina hospital stands as a testament to the kingdom's preparations for "the worst-case scenario."
Out in the sun, sweat drips from the brows of determined pilgrims. Some wear protective gear like hats and umbrellas, but many brave the harsh elements on foot. Sixty-year-old Palestinian farmer Rabah Mansour, a testament to a lifetime of toil in the fields, insists the heat doesn't faze him. Others, like Badr Shreiteh, welcome the hardships as opportunities to earn more blessings.
Asiri warns against exposing oneself to unnecessary heat extremes, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated and seeking shade when needed. Saudi Arabia has mobilized a record 50,000 healthcare workers and administrative staff for this year's Hajj. With over 700 hospital beds equipped with fans for severe cases of heat-related illnesses, capacity has been expanded by more than 60% compared to last year.
The kingdom has prepared for the Hajj by setting up 71 emergency medical points around Mecca's holy sites, focusing on treating patients on the ground before their condition worsens. This year, measures include the deployment of misting fans, water cooling units, and cooled walkways, including a newly completed four-kilometer path to Arafat.
Although, historically, the Hajj has presented challenges with temperature fluctuations between extreme heat and intense cold, many pilgrims view these trials as tests of their moral character. As the Hajj unfolds, may all find solace and divine guidance in the face of adversity.
[1] Hajj 2024: Over 1,300 pilgrims die from heat as body conditions worsen, The National News[2] Health ministry advises pilgrims to stay indoors during peak heat hours, Arab News[3] Saudi Arabia's Hajj 2025: Advanced Cooling Systems, Dubai's 90.3 FM[4] Saudi Arabia unveils cutting-edge technology for Hajj safety, Saudi Gazette[5] Largest cooling system in the world activated for Hajj 2025, Saudi Press Agency
- In an effort to combat the scorching temperatures during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia has deployed advanced cooling systems and set up emergency medical points, emphasizing the importance of health and wellness. (health, science, health-and-wellness)
- As the Hajj heat takes its toll on thousands of pilgrims, health officials underline the significance of staying hydrated, seeking shade, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure as a preventative measure to maintain optimal health conditions. (health, science, health-and-wellness)
