Tragedy has struck during the annual Muslim Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, with hundreds of people succumbing to extreme temperatures reaching up to 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit). Among the reported casualties are 165 Indonesians, 41 Jordanians, 35 Tunisians, and 11 Iranians, with additional individuals missing or hospitalized.
The death toll is expected to rise as official figures from Saudi Arabia and Egypt are yet to be released, and unregistered pilgrims may also be affected. The scorching temperatures have led to over 2,700 cases of heatstroke, prompting warnings from authorities and mobilization of medical units.
The Hajj, a significant religious gathering, sees over 1.8 million participants this year, facing the challenges of extreme heat due to the event falling in June, one of Saudi Arabia's hottest months. Pilgrims are urged to stay hydrated, carry umbrellas, and take precautions against the harsh conditions.
Performing the Hajj is a fundamental pillar of Islam, requiring physically and financially capable Muslims to journey to Mecca. The pilgrimage involves intricate rituals symbolizing unity and equality before God, with the stoning of evil being a key practice.
While the Hajj holds religious and cultural importance, it also plays a vital economic role for Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has invested billions in expanding infrastructure to accommodate more worshippers, aiming to boost revenues and create jobs. Experts believe that the pilgrimage's economic potential remains largely untapped and could significantly benefit the Saudi economy in the long run.
With plans to attract 30 million pilgrims by 2030, the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages are poised to become major revenue sources for the kingdom, aligning with Saudi Arabia's economic diversification goals.
