Mecca, June 4 – The Hajj, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, begins this Wednesday in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, drawing millions of Muslims from across the globe. This sacred journey, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, is not only a spiritual undertaking but also a major logistical challenge for the host nation. With soaring temperatures and increasing global participation, Saudi Arabia faces immense pressure to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.
Despite improved infrastructure and stricter regulations, concerns remain about unregistered pilgrims and the extreme climate conditions. This year alone, over 1.4 million international pilgrims have already arrived, and the pilgrimage has become a true test of physical and organizational endurance. Here’s what you need to know about the Hajj, how the Saudi government is preparing, and the ongoing challenges that come with managing such a massive event.
The Spiritual Significance of Hajj
The Hajj is a deeply significant act of worship for Muslims around the world. As one of Islam’s five fundamental pillars — alongside daily prayer, fasting during Ramadan, giving to charity, and professing the faith — The Hajj is an essential obligation for all physically capable Muslims who have the financial means to undertake the journey.
Taking place in the Islamic lunar calendar’s final month, Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrimage commemorates the trials of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family. Over five to six days, pilgrims carry out a series of symbolic rituals in and around Mecca, such as circling the Kaaba, praying at Mount Arafat, and performing the symbolic stoning of the devil.
For many, the journey is the spiritual culmination of a lifetime, with many saving for years just to participate. It is also a unifying experience — Muslims of all nationalities, languages, and backgrounds come together, dressed simply in white garments to symbolize purity and equality before God.
Saudi Arabia’s Massive Preparations for Hajj
Managing millions of pilgrims each year is a monumental task for Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has invested heavily in infrastructure to support the Hajj, including high-speed rail links, expanded airports, multi-level walkways, and extensive accommodation facilities. The country sees itself not just as the host but also as the protector of Islam’s holiest cities.
In response to growing concerns about heat stress, authorities have introduced several new measures this year. Roads in pilgrimage zones have been resurfaced with cooling materials to help lower surface temperatures. Drones are now being used to monitor the flow of crowds in real time, enabling authorities to respond swiftly to any irregularities or emergencies.
Perhaps most notably, the Saudi government has ramped up efforts to restrict unauthorized pilgrims. Authorities have intensified efforts to stop unauthorized entry into Mecca by revoking visitor visas, establishing checkpoints, and imposing substantial penalties on those without valid Hajj permits. Over 269,000 people were reportedly turned away in the lead-up to the pilgrimage.
Past Disasters and Safety Measures
The Hajj has a long history of tragic incidents, particularly due to overcrowding and intense heat. The most devastating occurred in 2015 when a stampede resulted in the deaths of over 2,200 pilgrims. Since then, Saudi authorities have overhauled crowd control measures, introduced scheduled movement systems, and reinforced surveillance across key sites.
However, last year’s Hajj once again highlighted serious challenges. Over 1,300 pilgrims lost their lives, many of them unregistered and without access to authorized shelter or proper medical support. Most deaths were attributed to heat-related illnesses. Countries like Egypt, India, and Indonesia reported hundreds of fatalities, though in many cases, the exact causes were difficult to confirm due to limited data on unregistered individuals.
Such incidents have led to calls for better international coordination and stricter regulation of travel agencies that provide unauthorized pilgrimage packages.
Climate Change and Its Growing Impact on Hajj
The physical demands of the Hajj have always been intense — with pilgrims walking for miles under the desert sun — but climate change has made the pilgrimage increasingly hazardous. During the 2024 Hajj, temperatures exceeded 50°C (122°F), and over 2,700 pilgrims suffered from heat exhaustion in a single day.
Saudi Arabia’s health ministry reported treating dozens of heatstroke cases daily, underscoring the pressing need for shaded rest areas, air-conditioned tents, and accessible water supplies. Unfortunately, many of these amenities are only available to those with official permits, leaving unauthorized pilgrims particularly vulnerable.
As the Islamic calendar rotates and places the Hajj in the hotter months for the next two decades, the risks are expected to grow. Experts warn that by the mid-2040s, Hajj seasons could see even higher temperatures, increasing the urgency for long-term climate-adaptive solutions.
Who Is Allowed to Go on Hajj and Why Many Are Left Out
Since 1987, entry to the Hajj has been regulated by a quota system, granting each Muslim-majority nation a set number of pilgrimage permits based on its population size. For example, Indonesia — the world’s most populous Muslim nation — gets over 200,000 permits annually. Yet the demand far exceeds this allocation.
As a result, many Muslims must wait years, or even decades, for their turn. The cost of official packages is another major barrier. With expenses often surpassing $10,000, the Hajj remains out of reach for many from low-income backgrounds.
This has fueled a shadow market of unlicensed tour operators offering unofficial pilgrimage routes, often through tourist or business visas. These packages bypass the regulatory systems, exposing participants to greater risks, particularly in terms of access to shelter, medical care, and heat protection.
To address this, the Saudi government has been actively messaging residents and visitors, warning them of the consequences of undertaking the Hajj without proper authorization — including large fines and long-term bans from reentry.