(3 Jun 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
++AUDIO AS INCOMING++
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Mecca, Saudi Arabia – 3 June 2025
1. SOUNDBITE (English) Baraa Anwer, The Associated Press:
"Over 1.8 million Muslims from around the world are expected to participate in this week’s Hajj, facing extreme temperatures that can soar above 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit). Last year, the pilgrimage witnessed a toll, with at least 1,300 pilgrims losing their lives due to extreme heat, and more 2,700 suffered from heat stroke as temperatures rose above 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) in Mecca. Many of the deceased were unauthorized pilgrims who lacked access to air-conditioned facilities, food, water and walked long distances under direct sunlight."
2. Various of pilgrims at the grand mosque
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Baraa Anwer, The Associated Press:
"Officials say they’ve already turned away almost 270,000 people without Hajj permits at the city’s entry points. The government says last year’s death were linked to unauthorized pilgrims. This year, fines, deportation, and bans are being enforced even against Saudi citizens and residents. Authorities say the crackdown is about protecting lives. 23 thousand people have already been penalized for violations, and 400 Hajj companies had their licenses revoked for misconduct."
4. Cars waiting at Mecca entry points
5. Various of cooling fans at the grand mosque
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Baraa Anwer, The Associated Press:
"Hajj is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. It is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the capital city of Islam. Hajj is one of the five Pillars of Islam it is a profound spiritual experience that every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to perform at least once in their lifetime, as pilgrimage wipes away sins, and brings them closer to God. Hajj has been performed by Muslims for over 1,400 years, dating back to Prophet Muhammad."
7. Various of pilgrims at the grand mosque
STORYLINE:
Muslims from around the world are in the Saudi city of Mecca for the Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
In the coming days, people will immerse themselves in religious rituals and acts of worship that originated more than 1,400 years ago.
They also have to contend with excess heat and other earthly factors, like a ban on children under the age of 12 and a crackdown on unauthorized entry.
Last year’s pilgrims struggled through burning sun and suffocating hot weather, with the mercury hitting 47 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit). More than 1,300 people died.
This year, Saudi authorities are advising caution in direct sunlight, telling pilgrims to avoid going out during the day and uncovering their heads, except for rituals, unless necessary.
An official safety kit emphasizes the importance of light-colored clothing and umbrellas.
It also has details on recognizing and treating the symptoms of dehydration and heat exhaustion.
But it’s tough to avoid the heat and crowds when the Hajj is outdoors.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, elevating the personal stakes further, and temperatures in Mecca are already 41 degrees Celsius (about 106 Fahrenheit).
Although the desert kingdom spends billions of dollars on crowd control and cooling, the volume of pilgrims and climatic conditions make it difficult to guarantee people’s safety.
Saudi Arabia has banned children under 12 from this year’s Hajj — one of the biggest policy changes in recent years.
There’s no official age breakdown for pilgrims, but most are between 35 and 64.
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