As Hajj 2025 reaches its peak, Saudi authorities have urged pilgrims to remain indoors during the hottest hours of the "Day of Arafat" due to dangerously high temperatures forecast for the day.
According to AFP, Saudi Hajj Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah requested that pilgrims stay in their tents from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, as the heat is expected to exceed 40°C. The health ministry also warned against climbing Mount Arafat or surrounding high grounds to prevent heat exhaustion.
The Day of Arafat, a significant spiritual moment when pilgrims gather in prayer and reflection on Mount Arafat near Mecca, has minimal natural shade, putting millions at risk of heat-related illnesses.
This follows last year's tragedy where over 1,300 pilgrims died as temperatures reached a record 51.8°C. In response, the Saudi government has doubled its safety efforts in 2025. These include expanding shaded zones by 50,000 square meters, deploying 400+ cooling units, and mobilizing over 250,000 personnel across 40 agencies.
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More than 1.4 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia so far. Officials stress the importance of hydration, rest, and staying within shaded or cooled areas during peak heat.
The government hopes these enhanced measures will prevent a repeat of last year’s fatal incidents and ensure a safer pilgrimage for all.
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