Saudi Arabia is ramping up its health and security measures as the Hajj pilgrimage approaches, anticipating the arrival of approximately 1.5 million pilgrims in Makkah next week. This enhanced preparedness is in response to global health concerns, particularly recent outbreaks of Ebola in parts of Africa and increasing worries about hantavirus infections.
The Saudi health authorities have asserted that their surveillance and emergency response systems are fully equipped to safeguard the pilgrims during this significant religious event. As a precaution, travel monitoring and health checks have been intensified for visitors coming from countries such as Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Meanwhile, pilgrims have already started making their way to Makkah, visiting notable religious landmarks including the Grand Mosque, Jabal Al Nour, and the hills of Safa and Marwa, in anticipation of the official commencement of the Hajj. In addition to health measures, security protocols have been reinforced at airports and along critical pilgrimage routes amid heightened tensions in the region involving Iran and other Gulf nations, with Saudi Arabia recently expressing concerns over potential drone attacks.
To mitigate the risks posed by the extreme summer heat, the authorities have expanded shaded walkways and stationed at least 34 medical units close to major holy sites, ensuring healthcare support is readily available to worshippers throughout the pilgrimage.
Hajj holds immense significance in Islam, being one of its five pillars, and is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey at least once in their lifetime.