Saudi Arabia and Indonesia Boost Hajj Safety Measures Amid Extreme Heat

Saudi health authorities have tightened food‑safety checks during the Hajj, rejecting several dinner meals on 27 May 2026 that did not meet handling standards and providing alternative refreshments. The Saudi Ministry of Interior highlighted the Hajj crowd‑management system as a “Saudi industry” that uses advanced planning, smart technology and coordination among security forces to keep pilgrims safe.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) deployed a Mobile Crisis Rescue (MCR) team of 1,356 staff at the Jamarat area in Mina. The MCR provides first‑aid, emergency evacuation and helps untangle crowd density, especially for elderly, disabled or exhausted pilgrims. Officials warned pilgrims to follow official schedules, stay in tents during the prohibited 11:00‑14:00 window, drink water, use oral‑rehydration salts, and avoid the peak sun. Saudi authorities also urged Hajj participants to remain in Arafat camps until 4 pm and not to climb Jabal Al‑Rahmah, to limit heat‑stress and traffic disruptions.

These coordinated efforts aim to protect more than 1.5 million pilgrims from extreme temperatures exceeding 42 °C and to ensure the smooth progression of the final Hajj rituals.