New Delhi

An estimated 1.4 million pilgrims from across 100 countries are performing the main pillar of Hajj, Waqf-e-Arafah, on Thursday.

The process of transferring pilgrims from the Mina Valley - where pilgrims spend a day in tents - to the Arafat Plain began on the night of the 8th Dhul-Hijjah.

The pilgrims were transported from Mina to the holy city of Mushaira by train and bus. The pilgrims will spend the whole day in the Arafat Plain today, where they will offer the Zuhr and Asr prayers, and later they will leave the Arafat Plain a few moments before sunset.

The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced that pilgrims are being welcomed to the Nimrah Mosque in Arafat, where the Day of Arafah sermon will be delivered and the Zuhr and Asr prayers will be offered with one Adhan and two Iqamahs.

📸 |On the #Day_of_Tarwiyah, their hearts were nourished, and their emotions overflowed — joyful at reaching their hopes, and delighted to arrive at #Mina. pic.twitter.com/QUJjM6y7Zj

— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) June 4, 2025

During the Arafat pilgrimage, the Ministry of Health has deployed several specialized teams equipped with modern medical facilities, including special ambulance carts, which evacuate patients from crowded areas to nearby roads where regular ambulances are available.

An extensive medical network has been established in Arafat, including a central hospital, several dispensaries, and mobile Red Crescent units. All of these units are equipped with emergency medical equipment and first aid supplies for any emergency.

The traffic police have also made special arrangements to ensure that the roads are not crowded. Separate routes have been allocated for the convoys of pilgrim buses to ensure their easy and safe movement.

The Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia issued a statement congratulating the thousands of Indian pilgrims participating this year, emphasising that consular teams are coordinating closely with Saudi authorities and have established administrative and medical teams in all Mina camps. Indian pilgrims can access support through the “Haj Suvidha” mobile application and dedicated toll-free numbers.

Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, addressed Indian Haj pilgrims ahead of the core Haj rituals.
He extended his best wishes & assured them of full support, highlighting the presence of dedicated administrative & medical deputationists for any assistance to… pic.twitter.com/uaTqCcRMxn

— Ministry of Minority Affairs (@MOMAIndia) June 3, 2025

Learning from last year’s tragic consequences, when extreme temperatures contributed to over 1,300 deaths, Saudi authorities have deployed unprecedented resources for pilgrims’ safety.

More than 400 high-powered cooling units have been installed at key ritual sites, while over 100,000 square meters of new shade structures have been erected in Mina and Arafat. Approximately 103,000 square meters of heat-reducing rubber flooring now cover pathways, designed to lower surface temperatures by 12 degrees Celsius.

The kingdom has mobilised its largest-ever medical contingent, with the Ministry of Health announcing the deployment of 50,000 medical and administrative personnel. Over 700 hospital beds have been designated specifically for treating heat-related illnesses, supported by three field hospitals and 71 emergency response points.

Healthcare capacity has increased by 60 percent compared to last year, with more than 98,000 medical services already delivered.

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Fasting on the Day of Arafah, I hope from Allah, expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”#Ease_and_Tranquility pic.twitter.com/mT9jKyix6S

— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) June 4, 2025

Saudi authorities have implemented strict enforcement measures against unregistered pilgrims, imposing fines up to 5,000 dollars and potential deportation for anyone performing Hajj without proper permits. This applies to both foreign visitors and Saudi citizens or residents. The policy aims to ensure all pilgrims have proper access to shelter, water, and medical services during what meteorologists warn could be another dangerously hot pilgrimage season with temperatures potentially reaching or exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.

Advanced technology plays a central role in this year’s safety strategy. Over 250,000 personnel from more than 40 government agencies have been deployed, supported by AI-powered crowd monitoring systems, facial recognition technology, and drones for surveillance and emergency response, including fire suppression. The Saudi Arabian Civil Defence confirmed this marks the first time drones will be used during Hajj operations.

To protect yourself from heat stress and sunstroke, please follow health protocols, check weather updates, and use designated transportation.#Ease_and_Tranquility pic.twitter.com/NrHxOuQcxX

— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) June 4, 2025

Infrastructure improvements extend beyond heat mitigation. Around Namira Mosque, authorities have installed 350 misting fans and 320 canopies, while over 2,400 cold water dispensers have been strategically placed along pedestrian routes. Pilgrims have been advised to avoid direct sun exposure during peak daylight hours.

This year’s pilgrimage features several procedural changes, with first-time pilgrims receiving priority through the digitalised “Nusuk” platform. Women are permitted to perform Hajj without a male guardian, reflecting ongoing social reforms in the kingdom.

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Mina, located five kilometres east of the Grand Mosque, serves as a crucial waypoint with its iconic landscape of over 100,000 fire-resistant white tents designed to accommodate more than 2.6 million pilgrims. The site represents a feat of modern logistics, featuring a complex network of roads, tunnels, and bridges facilitating movement between the three principal Hajj sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.