The annual Hajj pilgrimage has begun in Mecca, drawing over a million Muslim worshippers from around the world. Despite intense summer heat, pilgrims have gathered to fulfill one of Islam’s most sacred religious duties.
This year, Saudi authorities introduced several new measures to protect pilgrims from extreme weather, as temperatures are expected to rise above 40°C. Concerns remain high following last year’s tragedy, when over 1,000 people reportedly lost their lives due to heat-related issues, with temperatures soaring past 51°C.
The pilgrimage started with the tawaf — the traditional ritual of walking seven times around the Kaaba, located in Mecca’s Grand Mosque. After completing this ritual, pilgrims will move on to Mina, where they will spend the night in a vast tent city, before heading to Mount Arafat for the main rites of Hajj.
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Officials said around 1.4 million pilgrims have already arrived, and more are expected in the coming days. To counter the extreme conditions, shaded areas have been expanded by 50,000 square metres, and over 400 cooling units and misting systems have been installed at key points.
Thousands of medical workers have been stationed across the pilgrimage sites, and Saudi authorities are using advanced technologies — including drones and artificial intelligence — to monitor crowds and ensure safety.