Hajj 1446: A Zero-Incident Milestone – HIRO’s Report on the Safest Pilgrimage in Modern History

HAJJ INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH ORGANIZATION (HIRO) SITUATION REPORT: HAJJ 1446 (2025)
Date: June 11, 2025  

Prepared by: Executive Director, HIRO  
1. Executive Summary

The Hajj 1446 (2025) pilgrimage has concluded successfully, marked by zero reported security, health, or service-related incidents during the core rituals, a historic achievement attributed to advanced planning, technological integration, and strict regulatory compliance .

 Over 1.67 million pilgrims participated, including 1.5 million international and 166,654 domestic pilgrims, with a near-even gender distribution (877,841 male, 795,389 female) .

 Key highlights include:  

- Unprecedented safety record: 

No fatalities or major incidents during Hajj days, with a 90% reduction in heat exhaustion cases compared to 2024 .  

- New policies effective: 

Ban on children under ~12–15 years and priority for first-time pilgrims streamlined crowds .  

- Technology-driven management: 

AI drones ("Saqr"), the world’s largest air-conditioning system (155,000 tons cooling capacity), and real-time crowd analytics ensured smooth operations .  

2. Operational and Security Overview

- Security: 

No breaches reported. 269,678 unauthorized entrants were intercepted in Makkah, and 252 fake Hajj campaigns were dismantled .

- Health: Mobile stroke units and 50,000 healthcare workers delivered rapid response, including a16-minute emergency interventionfor a Ugandan pilgrim with cerebral hemorrhage .  

- Logistics: 

The Mashair Train transported 72,000 pilgrims/hour, and rubberized cooled roads reduced heat exposure by 12°C .  

3. Policy and Regulatory Impact 

- Child ban controversy:

 Implemented due to 2024 heat-related deaths, but sparked debate over tradition vs. safety .  

- Visa restrictions: 

- Single-entry visas for 14 countries reduced unauthorized participation .  

- Digital integration: 

1.4 million Nusuk smart cards and 30+ new app services streamlined pilgrim movement .  

4. Post-Hajj Development

- Preparations for 2026: 

Saudi authorities announced immediate planning for next year’s Hajj, emphasizing continued tech innovation .  

- Global recognition: 

Social media hailed a "Hajj without incidents," reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in mass event management .  

5. HIRO Assessment & Recommendations

- Success factors: 
Proactive governance, AI/tech adoption, and pilgrim compliance were critical.  

- Areas for review:

 Clarify age thresholds for child bans and expand heat mitigation for future summer Hajj seasons.  


- Action items:  

  - HIRO to analyze long-term impacts of first-time pilgrim priority on equity. 

  - Advocate for standardized global Hajj permit frameworks to curb unauthorized participation.  

Submitted by: HIRO Analysis Team  
Confidentiality Level: Internal Use Only  

Sources: 
Integrated from Saudi Gazette, Arab News, Time, Punch NG, and Selangor Journal [citation:1–6].


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