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Pilgrims’ safety takes priority as Ƶ gears up for Hajj

Pilgrims’ safety takes priority as Ƶ gears up for Hajj
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Pilgrims praying at Mount Arafat during Hajj. (AN/File Photo)
Pilgrims’ safety takes priority as Ƶ gears up for Hajj
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SFDA inspectors intensify field preparedness for Hajj Season 2025. (Supplied)
Pilgrims’ safety takes priority as Ƶ gears up for Hajj
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SFDA takes initiatives to apply the highest regulatory standards, leverage modern technologies, and utilize artificial intelligence to monitor factories and warehouses, ensuring the quality of products provided during Hajj 2025. (Supplied)
Pilgrims’ safety takes priority as Ƶ gears up for Hajj
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SFDA takes initiatives to apply the highest regulatory standards, leverage modern technologies, and utilize artificial intelligence to monitor factories and warehouses, ensuring the quality of products provided during Hajj 2025. (Supplied)
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Updated 30 May 2025

Pilgrims’ safety takes priority as Ƶ gears up for Hajj

Pilgrims’ safety takes priority as Ƶ gears up for Hajj
  • The authorities have put a range of measures in place to mitigate the harsh desert weather
  • Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said: “One of the big challenges that we face is the increasing temperature across the different years”

RIYADH: With temperatures expected to soar during Hajj, set to begin on June 4, Ƶ is putting the safety of pilgrims first during the annual event.

The authorities have put a range of measures in place to mitigate the harsh desert weather, which will see maximum temperatures of 40-45 C, including using artificial intelligence and expansion of cooling infrastructures.

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said: “One of the big challenges that we face is the increasing temperature across the different years. This is an issue (to which) we give top priority.”

On Friday, the Saudi Ministry of Health confirmed there had been five cases of heat exhaustion among pilgrims performing Hajj rituals amid rising temperatures at the holy sites.

A statement given to Arab News said: “All individuals affected have received immediate medical attention and are currently in (a) stable condition.”

Health teams remain on high alert and will respond swiftly to similar cases as part of the Kingdom’s broader commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims.

The ministry urged pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and follow official health guidelines such as using shaded walkways, wearing appropriate protective gear and seeking help at the first signs of fatigue. Multilingual awareness campaigns have been launched to reinforce the message.

In a significant step to improved healthcare services for pilgrims, the Ministry of Health has also launched an advanced robotic surgery program at King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah.

The measures are part of Ƶ’s comprehensive strategy to ensure a safe and healthy experience for millions of pilgrims from around the world.

Among the key measures taken to offer relief from the high temperatures are the provision of 50,000 sq. meters of additional shaded areas, more than 400 misting and cooling stations, renovation and extension work around the Grand Mosque, and heat-reflective asphalt on major walkways.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has also reviewed its Hajj preparations. CEO Dr. Hisham S. Al-Jadhey has visited the authority’s Makkah office to assess how operational plans are being implemented and confirm the readiness of the services provided.

He emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts to ensure the safety of all food and medicine for pilgrims, adding that the responsibility was a great honor.

He also reviewed the SFDA’s initiatives to apply the highest regulatory standards, leverage modern technologies and utilize artificial intelligence to monitor factories and warehouses, ensuring the quality of products provided during Hajj.

The tour included a visit to the SFDA’s Hajj Operations Center in Makkah, where Al-Jadhey was briefed on ongoing coordination with government entities, performance monitoring mechanisms and support provided to field teams during inspection tours. The tours are enhanced by advanced tools, such as body cameras, used to document field inspection activities.

Al-Jadhey also visited the SFDA site in the regulatory zone within the Holy Sites area, where he reviewed field surveillance plans covering food factories and warehouses. The location serves as a primary base for the deployment of regulatory field teams.

In addition, he visited the emergency hospital in Mina, where he met with Dr. Abdullah bin Rashoud Al-Algwizani, CEO of the Saudi Public Health Authority (Weqaya). The meeting focused on the importance of ongoing collaboration between the two authorities to enhance the health and safety of pilgrims.

The tour also included a visit to the National Health Emergency and Crisis Management Center.

Throughout the visits, the SFDA teams demonstrated smart analytical tools and digital regulatory technologies employed in surveillance and inspection operations. These tools form part of an interactive, AI-powered system designed to enhance operational efficiency and contribute to achieving the authority’s public health and safety goals during Hajj season.

In a high-tech upgrade, the Kingdom is also employing AI to monitor pilgrim movements in real time, with drones relaying live footage to command centers to ensure timely crowd control and detection of any medical emergencies.

“We use advanced AI technologies to do this monitoring and get fast feedback,” said Al-Rabiah, stressing the importance of technology in preventing tragedies.

The crackdown on unauthorized pilgrims by the Ministry of Interior has also intensified. AI-powered systems are monitoring the movement of people entering the holy cities as the majority of last year’s heat-related deaths during Hajj involved those without official permits.


Hajj guests praise Saudi dedication to Islam, Muslims

Hajj guests praise Saudi dedication to Islam, Muslims
Updated 17 sec ago

Hajj guests praise Saudi dedication to Islam, Muslims

Hajj guests praise Saudi dedication to Islam, Muslims
  • This year, the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj and Umrah is hosting 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries

MAKKAH: Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj and Umrah have praised Ƶ’s unwavering dedication to Islam and Muslims.

Implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the program’s invitation to diverse communities highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to enabling more Muslims to perform Hajj with ease and tranquility.

Pilgrims from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka said the program had a significant humanitarian impact and reflected the Kingdom’s global outreach.

They lauded Ƶ’s rapid infrastructure development, particularly in Makkah and Madinah, which has substantially increased capacity for pilgrims.

The guests commended the exceptional services, meticulous organization and high-quality infrastructure in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.

This year, the program is hosting 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries, reaffirming Ƶ’s legacy of service to the global Muslim community.


Saudi crown prince meets with Pakistani PM in Mina

Saudi crown prince meets with Pakistani PM in Mina
Updated 06 June 2025

Saudi crown prince meets with Pakistani PM in Mina

Saudi crown prince meets with Pakistani PM in Mina
  • The two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings
  • They also reviewed regional developments and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability

MINA: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday at Mina Palace, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings and discussed the longstanding ties between Ƶ and Pakistan, with a focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors, SPA added. 

They also reviewed regional developments and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability.

The reception was attended by several senior Saudi officials, including Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region; Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, Minister of Interior; Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Defense; and Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Also in attendance were Adel Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy; Minister of Information Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari; Chief of General Intelligence Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan; and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki.

On the Pakistani side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar joined the meeting along with Field Marshal Hafiz Syed Asim, Chief of Army Staff and ambassador to Ƶ Ahmed Farooq.


The route to Makkah: Pilgrim’s journey from home to the holy city

The route to Makkah: Pilgrim’s journey from home to the holy city
Updated 06 June 2025

The route to Makkah: Pilgrim’s journey from home to the holy city

The route to Makkah: Pilgrim’s journey from home to the holy city
  • Hajj experience is pathway to lifelong transformation

RIYADH: Every year, millions of Muslims around the world take on a spiritual journey to perform the pilgrimage to Makkah. This religious obligation is only performed once in a lifetime for those who are able, and begins long before the pilgrim arrives in Makkah.

The route to the holy city begins with a deep, personal decision motivated by faith, hope for closeness to God, and the fulfilment of accomplishing one of the five pillars of Islam.

From the moment pilgrims form the intention to perform Hajj, a transformative process begins where they must secure their spot through Saudi officials in their countries.

Some countries request attending educational seminars before the Hajj to prepare them spiritually and physically for the trip.

“We have the administrative facilities that include Hajj registration, application, and all related administrative matters,” said Abdulrahman Mustafa Hamidh, a Syrian living in Turkyie, who is currently working as a religious guide for pilgrims.

“It’s simple. The process starts by applying through the Hajj offices located throughout the city, or by appointing someone for those who are far away in distance and unable to attend. They can appoint someone else, such as a brother, to do the registration process for them and pay a small registration fee,” he said.

Hamidh is currently studying for his PhD in religious studies and has been a frequent traveler to Makkah for Hajj since 2016.

After registration is completed, Hamidh explained the second step, which is the final part of the process. According to him, people take their passports to their guide or group leader to complete their registration applications for them.

“The entire process for pilgrims is very, very simple,” he said.

After this step, pilgrims wait for their applications to be accepted by Saudi officials and to receive their visa and the documents that they need for Hajj.

Once accepted, pilgrims receive the necessary tools such as Ihram, luggage, and all the belongings they will need for the journey.

“As for packing a travel bag, it’s also easy. Hajj pilgrims often receive large luggage from the organizing agency, which contains smaller bags and other Hajj supplies, such as Ihram, as well as Hajj garments for women,” Hamidh said.

When pilgrims complete the logistics, prepare their luggage and say their farewells to their families and loved ones, they leave their homes, carrying with them not only essential supplies but also hopes, prayers and hearts full of devotion.

However, while they arrive in Makkah and engage in this emotional and precious experience, others may face obstacles that hinder them from either completing the journey or arriving early.

One example is the journey of a pilgrim from Libya, Amir Qathafi, who was part of the last group of pilgrims from his country to depart for Makkah this year.

Unfortunately, before boarding, it took some time to go through security due to an issue with his passport. This resulted in the plane taking off, leaving him behind.

Surprisingly, a problem with the plane arose a few minutes after take-off, which required the pilot to return to the airport to solve the issue.

For a second time, Amir was refused permission to board the plane, and the flight took off again. Yet, miraculously, performing Hajj this year was destined for him, and the plane faced another technical issue a few minutes after the second departure.

This time, the pilgrim from Libya was allowed to board the plane to join the rest of his team on the route to Makkah.

Like Amir, millions of Muslims have genuine appreciation for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The journey to Hajj is more than a physical experience. It is a deeply spiritual and emotional commitment that begins with intention and ends with lifelong transformation.


Saudi crown prince speaks with Turkish President Erdogan

Saudi crown prince speaks with Turkish President Erdogan
Updated 06 June 2025

Saudi crown prince speaks with Turkish President Erdogan

Saudi crown prince speaks with Turkish President Erdogan
  • President Erdogan began the call by commending the Kingdom for the successful organization of this year’s Hajj season

RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on the phone on Thursday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

President Erdogan began the call by commending the Kingdom for the successful organization of this year’s Hajj season and the effective measures taken to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Turkish leader also extended Eid Al-Adha greetings to the Crown Prince, who in turn offered his congratulations on the occasion to President Erdogan.


Hajj pilgrims advised to limit exposure to midday sun 

Hajj pilgrims advised to limit exposure to midday sun 
Updated 06 June 2025

Hajj pilgrims advised to limit exposure to midday sun 

Hajj pilgrims advised to limit exposure to midday sun 

MAKKAH: The Ministry of Health has advised pilgrims to avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. — when temperatures at the holy sites are at their highest — to help avoid heat exhaustion and sunstroke.

The importance of following preventive measures such as using umbrellas, drinking plenty of water and complying with instructions from the authorities has also been emphasized.

The guidelines have been issued to protect pilgrims and ensure their safety during Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

So far, the ministry has reported a 90 percent reduction in the number of cases of heat exhaustion from last season.

The improvement aligns with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program, both part of Vision 2030, which aim to ensure a safer Hajj experience.

The Ministry of Health said the decrease was a result of stronger preventive measures, expanded awareness campaigns and effective coordination across relevant agencies.

These actions have included the launch of an awareness kit in eight languages to help prevent heat-related illnesses during Hajj.

The kit includes guidelines, videos, social media posts and printable materials advising pilgrims to stay hydrated and use umbrellas to avoid direct sun exposure.