Over 1.2 Million Pilgrims Arrive in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2024
Free Wi-Fi is being offered to assist pilgrims in accessing important information as they embark on their Hajj journey. Over 1.2 million pilgrims have already arrived in Saudi Arabia for the upcoming Hajj season, which commences on June 14th, amidst warnings of temperatures exceeding 44ºC.
The Hajj Projects Office has collaborated with over 50 state agencies to implement 300 initiatives across 2,600 locations to ensure readiness for this year’s Hajj season, as stated by Tawfiq Al Rabiah, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah. Since the conclusion of last year’s Hajj, Mr. Al Rabiah and his team have visited 11 countries to explore investments in projects aimed at aiding pilgrims and addressing challenges.
Approximately 250,000 pilgrims have utilized the Makkah Route, which allows travelers from 11 airports in seven countries to complete entry formalities for Saudi Arabia in their home airports, streamlining their journey to and from Makkah and Madinah. These countries include Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco, Bangladesh, Turkey, and the Ivory Coast.
With the anticipation of high temperatures, pilgrims are advised to stay hydrated and take precautions against the hot weather. Ayman Ghulam, chief of the national meteorology center, stated that this year’s Hajj climate is expected to witness temperatures one and a half to two degrees above normal in Makkah and Madinah, with a relative humidity of 25 percent and minimal rainfall rates, alongside an average maximum temperature of 44ºC.
Additional arrangements include the provision of free Wi-Fi at designated mosques and entry points for pilgrims. Moreover, smart services provided by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, such as access to an Islamic Library featuring 3,000 legal and scientific materials in over 45 languages, as well as quick responses to common queries and instructional videos, will be available to pilgrims for their convenience.
