**Saudi Arabia Intensifies Heat Safety Measures for Hajj Pilgrimage Amidst Record Temperatures**

**With more than 1.4 million Muslims embarking on this vital religious journey, the Kingdom has taken decisive actions to prevent a repeat of last year's tragic events caused by soaring temperatures.**

As the Hajj pilgrimage begins in Mecca, Saudi Arabia is making significant efforts to ensure the safety of the more than 1.4 million participating Muslims amidst predictions of severe heat, with temperatures anticipated to hit 44C (111F). Last year, a devastating heat wave contributed to the deaths of approximately 1,300 pilgrims, leading to heightened safety precautions this season.

Saudi authorities report a robust plan to improve safety during the pilgrimage, including the planting of thousands of trees and the installation of over 400 cooling units to combat the oppressive heat. To enforce order and safety, regulations now prohibit children under the age of 12 from participating, while those who attempt to enter Mecca without the appropriate Hajj permits face a hefty fine of $5,000 and a possible 10-year ban from the Kingdom. So far, officials have prevented over 269,000 individuals from entering the city illegally.

The majority of the fatalities from last year's pilgrimage were attributed to unregistered pilgrims, many of whom were unable to access essential amenities like air-conditioned accommodation and transport in a year when temperatures reached a staggering 51C. Due to the high costs of official Hajj packages—ranging from $4,000 to $20,000—many pilgrims enter Saudi Arabia on tourist visas instead.

For this year's pilgrimage, Saudi health officials have issued clear guidelines advising against sun exposure during peak hours between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, urging pilgrims to utilize umbrellas for shade and maintain hydrated by drinking plenty of water. The available shaded areas have been significantly expanded, and advanced cooling technology is being utilized in the Grand Mosque, reputed to house the world's largest cooling system.

As part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure safety, the authorities have also implemented more rubberized and cooled roadways to minimize surface heat impact and deployed artificial intelligence for drone monitoring and crowd management. The Hajj holds immense significance as one of the five Pillars of Islam, requiring every able-bodied Muslim to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. Following necessary rituals, pilgrims are set to travel to Mount Arafat, the site of the Prophet Muhammad’s final sermon, continuing a tradition that combines spiritual devotion and communal safety in challenging conditions.