Hajj: Saudi Arabia Directs Pilgrims to Shelter from Sun on Arafat Day Amidst Heatwave Concerns

As preparations intensify for Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued crucial precautionary directives, urging pilgrims to prioritize safety by remaining within their designated tents on Arafat Day, specifically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This vital measure aims to shield pilgrims from direct exposure to the anticipated intense sunlight and soaring temperatures across the sacred sites.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the Ministry explicitly advised pilgrims against venturing towards Jabal Al Rahmah (Mount Arafat) or Masjid Namirah during these high-risk hours. This directive underscores the Kingdom's commitment to pilgrim well-being amidst forecasts of extreme heat, a recurring challenge during the annual pilgrimage.

Beyond sheltering from the sun, the Ministry stressed the paramount importance of strictly adhering to the official group movement schedules (tafweej) approved by relevant authorities. Pilgrims are strictly prohibited from walking between sites and are mandated to use only the authorized transportation modes arranged as part of the meticulously planned Hajj logistical system. These comprehensive transportation measures are critical for maintaining order, preventing overcrowding, and safeguarding public health, particularly during peak hours and high-risk conditions.

Further emphasizing personal identification and safety, the Ministry highlighted the necessity of carrying and conspicuously displaying the official “Nusuk” identification card. Every pilgrim is required to wear this card throughout their stay in the holy sites. The Nusuk card serves as an essential tool in the Hajj coordination plan, enabling authorities to swiftly identify individuals and provide assistance in case of an emergency, thereby enhancing overall safety and response capabilities.

Service providers and Hajj mission leaders have been rigorously instructed to ensure all their pilgrims are fully informed of these guidelines and comply with them without exception. This collaborative approach aims to disseminate vital information efficiently and ensure universal adherence to safety protocols.

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a profound spiritual journey that draws millions of Muslims from across the globe for a five-day journey of devotion and endurance. As of the end of Friday, May 30, the General Directorate of Passports reported a significant influx of pilgrims, with a total of 1,396,644 individuals having arrived from abroad through all of the Kingdom’s ports. The vast majority, 1,326,323 pilgrims, entered via airports, with 65,228 arriving through land ports and 5,093 by sea.

In a display of comprehensive operational readiness, Saudi Arabia recently staged a large-scale security forces parade and military exercises in Makkah. These extensive preparations for Hajj 2025 underscore the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to protecting the millions of pilgrims expected to participate in this monumental annual pilgrimage.