Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — As millions of Muslims prepare for the peak of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi authorities have activated what they call the world’s largest cooling system to protect worshippers from extreme heat.
The soaring temperatures forecasted to reach nearly 122°F (50°C) in key pilgrimage sites including Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina.
In anticipation of the extreme heat, pilgrims have been urged to limit outdoor activities during peak daylight hours. Risks such as heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion remain serious concerns during the phase of the pilgrimage, especially in Armuzna.
To counter these threats, the Saudi government has deployed an extensive network of air cooling systems. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Grand Mosque in Mecca is now served by two major cooling stations which is the Shamiya Station with a capacity of 120,000 tons, and the Ajyad Station with 35,000 tons.
These systems aim to maintain indoor temperatures between 71°F and 75°F (22°C to 24°C), using advanced air purification technologies that remove up to 95% of airborne contaminants.
“The cooling system is designed to create a comfortable and uplifting environment for the millions of pilgrims arriving from around the globe, as part of preparations for the 1446 Hijri Hajj season,” SPA reported.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve the Hajj experience and ensure the highest possible levels of safety and comfort amid the threat of extreme weather.
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In addition to climate control, the Saudi government has ramped up medical readiness. Health facilities in Mina will operate 24/7 with integrated digital services to enable rapid medical decisions. Authorities are also deploying drones to deliver medications directly to frontline care points, significantly reducing response times.
2024 Extreme Heat Tragedy
Extreme heat in Saudi Arabia poses an ongoing hazard. During the 2024 Hajj, Mecca recorded temperatures as high as 125°F (51.6°C), contributing to the deaths of over 1,300 pilgrims. Most of those who perished were undocumented pilgrims who lacked access to adequate shelter and basic services.
The tragedy prompted widespread scrutiny and has become a turning point in how the kingdom manages the annual pilgrimage. In response, Saudi authorities have intensified security efforts, launching crackdowns on unregistered pilgrims and the networks that facilitate unauthorized participation.
Officials say these measures are crucial to preventing a repeat of last year’s disaster and ensuring a safer Hajj pilgrimage in 2025.
(Raidi/Agung)
