Million-Plus Pilgrims Begin Hajj Amid Scorching Heat

Over a million worshippers are set to take part in Islam’s most sacred pilgrimage as the annual Hajj begins Wednesday, with pilgrims facing intense heat and authorities working to prevent a repeat of last year’s deadly toll.

Temperatures are expected to soar above 40°C (104°F) as pilgrims begin the multi-day journey by circling the Kaaba—the black cubic structure at the heart of Mecca’s Grand Mosque—during the ritual known as tawaf.

Around 1.4 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of the Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, which every able-bodied Muslim with the financial means is expected to perform at least once in their lifetime.

Saudi authorities have significantly expanded heat mitigation efforts after more than 1,300 people died during last year’s pilgrimage, when temperatures reached a staggering 51.8°C (125.2°F). This year, shaded areas have been increased by 50,000 square metres, over 400 cooling units are being deployed, and thousands of medical staff are on standby.

Pilgrims, many of whom began arriving in Mina on Tuesday, are entering the state of ihram—a spiritual state requiring special dress and conduct. Men wear seamless white garments symbolising equality and humility, while women wear loose-fitting white clothing that leaves only the face and hands exposed.

“I am so happy—it’s such an amazing feeling,” said Reem al-Shogre, a 35-year-old Saudi national performing Hajj for the first time.

After tawaf, pilgrims will move on to Mina, a sprawling tent city, and then to Mount Arafat for the most significant part of Hajj: the day of prayer where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his final sermon.

To help manage the crowds and heat, the government has mobilised over 250,000 personnel from 40 agencies. New technologies, including artificial intelligence and drone surveillance, will monitor the crowds and help streamline logistics.

Authorities noted that most fatalities last year were among unregistered pilgrims who lacked access to official services such as air-conditioned tents and transportation. This year, efforts to deter unregistered participants have intensified, including text alerts, raids, and drone monitoring.

Although Hajj permits are allocated by country through a quota and lottery system, the high cost has led many to attempt the pilgrimage without authorisation, risking arrest and deportation.

Crowd control remains a priority. Past incidents have proved deadly, including the 2015 stampede during the "stoning of the devil" ritual in Mina, which claimed up to 2,300 lives—the worst disaster in Hajj history.

Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest sites in Mecca and Medina, earns billions of dollars annually from Hajj and the year-round lesser pilgrimage, Umrah.