By Furera Mohammed, Makkah
No fewer than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world have converged in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj rites, set to begin on Friday with the movement from Makkah to Mina ahead of the Arafat Day on Saturday.
According to a report by the Saudi General Directorate of Passports, a total of 1,547,295 pilgrims arrived in the country through its air, land, and sea ports by the end of Monday, June 10, 2024, marking the deadline for entry for this year’s holy pilgrimage.
The official spokesman for Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Mohammed Al-Abdulaali, has highlighted a significant challenge facing this year’s Hajj season is the rise in temperatures.
Dr. Al-Abdulaali urged pilgrims to adhere to the ministry’s health guidelines to mitigate the effects of the heat.
These guidelines include carrying umbrellas to avoid direct sun exposure, drinking sufficient amounts of water, and taking rest periods between rituals to reduce fatigue and heat stress.
He emphasized that these measures are essential to ensure the safety and health of pilgrims during the performance of Hajj rituals.
“As the pilgrims prepare for the sacred rites, the Saudi government continues to implement measures to address the challenges posed by the extreme heat, ensuring that the spiritual journey is completed safely and healthily.
“Our goal is to provide a healthy and safe environment for pilgrims amid the harsh climatic conditions,” Dr. Al-Abdulaali said.
Earlier, the Saudi Arabian authorities announced the arrival of approximately 1.2 million pilgrims from various countries around the world for the 2024 Hajj.
The country’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfig Al-Rabiah, assured that all stages of the pilgrims’ journey have proceeded smoothly and that the pilgrims are in excellent health.
