Hajj 1446/2025 Situation Report – June 9, 2025

Overview

The Hajj pilgrimage for the Islamic year 1446 AH (2025 CE) has concluded successfully in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as of June 9, 2025.

 Over 1.67 million pilgrims from 171 nationalities participated in this sacred journey, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, performed from June 4 to June 9, 2025 (8th to 13th Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH). 

The pilgrimage was marked by significant logistical and safety enhancements, following last year's challenges with extreme heat. Saudi authorities implemented new policies and advanced technologies to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims.

Key Updates

Pilgrim Statistics:

Total pilgrims: 1,673,230, with 1,506,576 international pilgrims and 166,654 local (Saudi citizens and residents). 314,000+ pilgrims benefited from the Makkah Route Initiative, facilitating smoother travel logistics.

Majority arrived by air (1.43 million+), with robust transportation systems, including 2 million+ train seats.

New Policies: 

Ban on Children Under 12: To protect young pilgrims from the physical demands and extreme heat, children under 12 were not permitted to participate. 

This was a precautionary measure to enhance safety in crowded conditions. 

Priority for First-Time Pilgrims: Saudi Arabia prioritized first-time pilgrims to ensure broader access to this once-in-a-lifetime obligation.

Permit Requirements: Starting April 23, 2025, Saudi residents needed entry permits to access Mecca, streamlining crowd control.

Safety and Heat Mitigation:

Cooling Measures: The Grand Mosque's cooling system, with a capacity of 155,000 tons of refrigeration, was complemented by 50,000 square meters of additional shaded areas and over 400 cooling units. Thousands of medics were on standby.

Temperature Challenges: Temperatures ranged between 44–51°C (111–124°F), prompting extensive heat mitigation efforts.

Health Safety: 

No epidemics were reported, supported by 900 ambulances and 71 medical points.

Technological Advancements:

Interactive Maps: Six interactive maps were released to assist pilgrims with navigation in Mecca, the Grand Mosque, Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat.  

AI and Connectivity:

 AI-assisted crowd management and free Wi-Fi at holy sites enhanced the pilgrimage experience.

Nusuk Cards: 

Over 1 million Nusuk cards were issued to streamline pilgrim identification and services.

Ritual Completion:

Pilgrims completed key rituals, including Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah), standing at Arafat on June 5 (Day of Arafah), and the stoning of the Jamarat during the Days of Tashreeq (June 7–9).

The pilgrimage culminated with Eid al-Adha celebrations on June 6, marked by prayers and the ritual sacrifice.

Official Statements:

Saudi Arabia announced the "successful and peaceful conclusion" of Hajj 1446, with no major incidents reported.

The crescent moon for Dhul Hijjah was sighted on May 27, 2025, confirming the start of the sacred month on May 28.

ChallengesExtreme Heat: Despite mitigation efforts, temperatures posed a significant challenge, especially during outdoor rituals like the Day of Arafah.

Crowd Management: 

The sheer volume of pilgrims required meticulous planning, with AI and interactive maps playing a critical role.

Logistical Demands: Coordinating 1.67 million pilgrims across multiple sites tested Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure, though investments in high-speed trains and crowd control systems proved effective.

.Categories:

International Pilgrims: 1,506,576 (90%) – Blue segment.Local Pilgrims (Saudi citizens/residents): 166,654 (10%) – Green segment. 

Annotations:

Note 171 nationalities represented.

Highlight 314,000+ pilgrims using the Makkah Route Initiative.

Visual Style: 

Use a bold color contrast with a world map in the background to emphasize global participation. Include a small bar graph inset showing the 1.43 million arrivals by air.

 Heat Mitigation Measures Description: 

An infographic illustrating Saudi Arabia’s heat mitigation efforts.

Components:

Cooling System: Icon of the Grand Mosque with a thermometer showing 155,000 tons of refrigeration capacity.

Shaded Areas: Illustration of tents and canopies covering 50,000 square meters.Cooling Units: 400+ cooling units depicted as air conditioners across holy sites.

Medical Support: 

Ambulance and medic icons representing 900 ambulances and thousands of medics.

 

AI-assisted crowd management drones hover subtly in the background, and Nusuk card scanners are visible at entry points.

Recommendations for Pilgrims (Future Hajj)Plan Early: 

Register through licensed Hajj agencies and secure packages early (e.g., viewing began January 20, 2025).

Health Precautions: 

Prepare for extreme heat with hydration and lightweight clothing. 

Follow medical advice for physical endurance.

Use Technology:

Utilize interactive maps and Nusuk cards for navigation and services.

Compliance: 

Adhere to permit requirements and respect crowd control measures to ensure safety.

Conclusion

Hajj 1446/2025 was a triumph of faith, logistics, and innovation, with Saudi Arabia successfully managing over 1.67 million pilgrims. Enhanced safety measures, technological advancements, and new policies ensured a smooth and spiritually enriching experience. The absence of epidemics and effective crowd management underscored the kingdom’s commitment to pilgrim welfare. 

As the Islamic calendar shifts, future Hajj seasons will benefit from these lessons, with cooler weather expected by 2034.

SourcesWeb: 

TIME, IslamicFinder, AP News, The New York Times, SPA, Matrix, Hindustan TimesX Posts: @HaramainInfo, @alekhbariyaFRA, @MobilePunch, @LifeSaudiArabia, @NewsMTA, @LeadershipHausa