Over 1.5 Million Foreign Pilgrims Participate in Hajj Amid Intense Heat in Saudi Arabia

Over 1.5 Million Foreign Pilgrims Participate in Hajj Amid Intense Heat in Saudi Arabia
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More than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, according to a spokesperson from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj. The ministry did not disclose the number of domestic pilgrims participating. Last year, around 1.61 million foreign pilgrims took part, while pre-pandemic numbers regularly exceeded 2 million, with a record of over 3.16 million in 2012.

On Wednesday, pilgrims journeyed to Mount Arafat, enduring temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104°F). They spent the day in prayer and reflection, marking the Day of Arafat. After sunset, pilgrims moved to Muzdalifah to collect pebbles for upcoming rituals.

To combat heat-related risks, the government has planted 10,000 trees for shade, increased hospital bed capacity, and tripled medical staff to ensure pilgrims’ safety during the demanding event.