Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Iranian air defenses repel Israeli attack on military site in Shiraz.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Iran reports the activation of air defenses over Kashan.
IRGC: Operation to transport handmade bombs foiled in Gilan, north of Iran.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Iranian police says dismantled "electronic bomb" in west Tehran.
Israeli media: Drone explodes in Route 90 in Arraba after interception attempts failed.
Israeli media: A wave of drones since morning, with 10 drones infiltrating so far.
Israeli media: Drone still flying in Wadi Araba near Ramon Airport, south of Occupied Palestine, efforts to intercept it have failed.
Israeli media: Direct hit from drone on building in Beit She'an.
Israeli media: Sirens blare in Beit She'an in Jordan Valley, amid fears of drone infiltration, explosions heard.
Mansouri: Iran's defensive capabilities far exceeded Israeli entity's expectations.

Saudi Arabia cracks down on Hajj permits to prevent heat deaths

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News websites
  • 2 Jun 2025 12:43
2 Min Read

Saudi Arabia blocks over 269,000 unauthorized pilgrims from entering Mecca ahead of Hajj 2025, citing safety risks tied to heat and overcrowding.

Listen
  • x
  • Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Monday, June 17, 2024. (AP)
    Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Monday, June 17, 2024. (AP)

Saudi Arabian authorities have barred more than 269,000 individuals from entering Mecca without the required Hajj permits, citing public safety concerns ahead of the annual Islamic pilgrimage.

Officials announced the crackdown on Sunday, noting that overcrowding caused by unauthorized participants significantly increases the risk of fatalities, especially in the extreme heat conditions expected during the 2025 Hajj.

Currently, around 1.4 million authorized pilgrims are already in Mecca, with more arrivals anticipated in the coming days.

The Hajj, a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are financially and physically able, brings millions to the holy city each year. But Saudi officials say adherence to regulations is critical to ensuring safety and preventing heat-related deaths.

The Saudi government has introduced strict punitive measures for violators, including fines of up to $5,000 and deportation for those performing the Hajj without a valid permit.

These rules apply not only to international visitors but also to Saudi citizens and residents.

Related News

Over 2 million Muslims begin pilgrimage in Mecca

Saudi Arabia restrains Yemeni pilgrims from completing their Hajj

Officials reported that more than 23,000 Saudi residents have been penalized for violations, and licenses have been revoked from 400 Hajj service companies for non-compliance.

Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Omari showed the seriousness of enforcement during a press conference in Mecca, “The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands.”

2025 Hajj faces safety concerns amid rising temperatures

The enforcement effort follows growing concern over rising temperatures and heat-related risks associated with the pilgrimage.

Many of the fatalities recorded during Hajj in previous years occurred among unauthorized pilgrims who lacked access to official accommodations and medical services.

With pilgrims spending long hours outdoors, the threat of heatstroke and exhaustion has become increasingly acute, especially as global temperatures climb.

Saudi authorities deploy drones for monitoring and fire control

In a move to enhance security and safety, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense announced the first-time use of drones during the Hajj. The technology will assist in surveillance, crowd monitoring, and even fire suppression, officials said.

The added layer of monitoring is part of broader efforts to manage the logistical challenges of hosting over two million worshippers in a confined area over five days of rituals.

  • Pilgrimage
  • Mecca
  • Hajj
  • Hajj pilgrimage
  • Saudi Arabia

Most Read

Bin Salman: Islamic world backs Iran in call to Pezeshkian

MBS says Islamic world backs Iran in call with Pezeshkian

  • MENA
  • 15 Jun 2025
Iran launches 9th wave of Op. True Promise 3, destroys IOF air defense

Iran launches 9th wave of Op. True Promise 3, destroys IOF air defense

  • MENA
  • 17 Jun 2025
Rescue team work at the site where a missile launched from Iran struck Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, June 16, 2025 (AP)

Wave 12 of Operation True Promise 3 launched, Sejjil deployed: IRGC

  • Politics
  • 18 Jun 2025
Iran launches missile barrage to Tel Aviv, casualties reported

True Promise 3, wave 14: Tel Aviv targeted, casualties reported

  • Politics
  • 19 Jun 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A motorcycle is on fire after an Israeli drone strike targeted it in the southern Lebanese village of Baraachit, June 20, 2025 (Social media)
Politics

Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon lead to casualty, martyr

An Israeli military vehicle before it was targeted in Operation Breaking the Sword in Gaza, undated (Al-Qassam Brigades Military Media)
Politics

Gaza Resistance pounds invading Israeli forces in joint operations

Israeli occupation forces and emergency teams work next to an unpopulated building after it was hit by a missile fired from Iran, in Haifa, occupied Palestine, Friday, June 20, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran bombs Israeli Interior Ministry in tit-for-tat response

A man is evacuated by an Israeli emergency team after a missile from Iran hits in Haifa, Israel, Friday, June 20, 2025 (AP)
Politics

1,217 injured in 'Israel' from Iran retaliation amid rising tensions

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS