Heat-Related Deaths During Haj Raise Concerns Over Pilgrim Safety

Unregistered pilgrims faced severe risks due to lack of official support amid extreme temperatures.

Over 1,300 pilgrims died during this year's Haj, with 83% being unauthorized attendees.
High costs of official Haj packages drive many to take unregistered, dangerous routes.
Saudi authorities provided health services to unregistered pilgrims over 141,000 times.
Extreme heat and climate change are increasing the dangers associated with the pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia aims to expand religious tourism despite growing safety challenges.