Hajj 2025: Will Saudi Arabia manage to avoid a heat catastrophe this year?

After last year’s devastating heatwave, ensuring pilgrim safety has become a top priority for Saudi Arabia during this year's Hajj pilgrimage. In 2024, temperatures reached 52°C in Mecca and 46°C in Mina, leading to thousands of hospitalisations and hundreds of fatalities, especially pilgrims from India, Egypt and other parts of the MENA region. With rising temperatures linked to climate change, the region is becoming hotter and more dangerous. In response, Saudi authorities have introduced several measures for Hajj 2025, including cooled pedestrian walkways in Mecca, expanded cooled roads in Arafat, and flexible rubber roads for added comfort, especially for older pilgrims. Over 84,000sq m of roads now use recycled materials that lower surface temperatures by up to 12°C. A green corridor with trees, mist systems, and water fountains has also been created to improve air quality. Pilgrims will have access to air-conditioned tents, cold water stations, and heat-monitoring devices to manage extreme heat. They’re advised to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, avoid outdoor exposure from 11am to 4pm, and take breaks in cool, shaded areas. With soaring temperatures and a changing climate, safety during Hajj has never been more critical. The steps taken this year show progress, but awareness, responsibility, and preparation remain key.