Overview

• More than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Mecca for Hajj 2025, surpassing last year’s participation figures.
• On June 5, worshippers gathered at Mount Arafat for the pilgrimage’s high-point prayers as temperatures climbed above 40 °C.
• Authorities have enlarged shaded areas by 50,000 sq m, deployed over 400 cooling units and mobilized 50,000 health workers to prevent heat-related ailments.
• Drone surveillance and permit checkpoints have turned back over 269,000 unregistered entrants and fines of up to 20,000 riyal enforce compliance.
• Children under 12 remain banned from this year’s Hajj and flexible payment plans address costs that range from $4,000 to $20,000 per pilgrim.