Saudi Arabia Bans Walking During Hajj to Prevent Heatstroke Deaths

Saudi Arabia Bans Hajj Pilgrims from Walking to Arafat to Prevent Heatstroke The Saudi Arabian government has announced a ban on pilgrims walking from Mecca to Arafat during the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. The decision, made public during a meeting with Hajj ministers from around the world, aims to prevent heatstroke and deaths among pilgrims. This follows similar incidents in previous years where many pilgrims suffered from heat exhaustion. "The ban is a preventative measure to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims," said a representative from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in a statement released after the meeting. Zailful Ariffin, Editor Eksekutif Astro AWANI, reported live from Jeddah, highlighting the extreme heat expected during the pilgrimage. He emphasized the importance of pilgrims utilizing the transportation provided by the Saudi government. The Malaysian Hajj minister, Datuk Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, also commented on the situation, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of Malaysian pilgrims. He reiterated the ban on walking and urged all Malaysian pilgrims to follow the guidelines set by the Saudi authorities. This proactive measure by the Saudi Arabian government demonstrates its commitment to ensuring a safe and successful Hajj pilgrimage for millions of Muslims worldwide.