Saudi Arabia is gearing up for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, facing significant challenges related to extreme heat and crowd management. Last year, temperatures in Makkah reached 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit), resulting in over 1,300 fatalities, primarily among unregistered pilgrims lacking access to essential amenities.
Experts emphasize the need for effective heat mitigation strategies, as the 2024 heatwave was noted as the hottest year on record. Saudi officials have yet to disclose specific plans for the upcoming pilgrimage, which is set to take place in June.
Abderrezak Bouchama from the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center suggests that measures will likely focus on reducing the number of illegal pilgrims. The introduction of wearable sensors for heat stress detection is expected to be a long-term solution.
The Hajj, a five to six-day event, has a history of tragic incidents, including a deadly stampede in 2015. Authorities are anticipated to enhance infrastructure and crowd control measures in response to last year's crisis.
Hajj permits are allocated through a quota system, but the high costs drive many to attempt the pilgrimage without authorization. This year’s pilgrimage will again occur during the peak summer months, raising concerns about heat exposure during outdoor rituals.
Saudi officials have implemented some heat-mitigation measures, such as air-conditioned areas near the Kaaba and cooling materials on roads. However, experts stress the need for mobile cooling units and comprehensive emergency health facilities to accommodate both registered and irregular pilgrims.
While the timing of the Hajj will eventually shift to cooler months, studies indicate that heat stress for pilgrims may exceed dangerous levels in the coming decades due to climate change.