• Saudi Arabia stops over 269,000 unauthorized individuals from entering Mecca for Hajj.
• More than 1.4 million Muslims participate in this year's pilgrimage amid extreme heat warnings.
• Authorities have installed cooling units and urged pilgrims to follow strict safety guidelines.

As the Hajj pilgrimage begins in Mecca, Saudi Arabian authorities are taking significant measures to prevent heat-related deaths, recalling last year's tragedy when over 1,300 pilgrims died amid extreme temperatures. This year, over 269,000 unauthorized individuals have been stopped from entering the holy city, underscoring the government's crackdown on permit violations associated with overcrowding and safety risks, according to Middle East Eye and New York Times.

This year's pilgrimage has seen 1.4 million Muslims arrive in Mecca, yet anticipation of heat exceeding 40 degrees Celsius raises concerns for pilgrim safety. Saudi authorities have heightened precautions by planting trees and installing hundreds of cooling units, which are part of an extensive strategy to combat the heat. They have also instituted a ban on children under 12 and issued a warning of fines for those attempting Hajj without proper permits, reports BBC and New York Times.

Health officials are focusing on heat-related illnesses, reporting at least 44 cases of heatstroke as of Monday, ahead of the peak pilgrimage days. The Ministry of Health has mobilized over 50,000 medical staff and equipped more than 700 hospital beds with ventilators. Moreover, authorities have advised pilgrims to stay out of the sun during certain hours and ensure proper hydration, according to Middle East Eye and BBC.

Given the complexities of organizing such a large-scale event, the heat presents a major challenge, compounding logistical issues and demanding robust management strategies. The Saudi government has emphasized the importance of safety preparations this year, pledging to reduce risks associated with heat exposure during the Hajj, which remains a deeply significant pillar of Islam for millions, according to Middle East Eye, New York Times, and BBC.