Millions of Muslim pilgrims converged on Mount Arafat on Thursday, June 5, marking the spiritual apex of the annual Hajj. Saudi authorities urged pilgrims to remain indoors during the hottest parts of the day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time, due to scorching desert temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

The event saw thousands gather at dawn to pray and recite the Quran, many seeking the cooler morning hours and utilizing umbrellas for shade. Pilgrims will remain on the mount for hours before moving to Muzdalifah at sunset to gather pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual.

This year’s Hajj sees enhanced safety measures following the 1,301 heat-related deaths during last year’s pilgrimage. Authorities have expanded shaded areas, deployed additional personnel, and utilized technology to manage crowds. Over 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials are involved in this year’s efforts to mitigate heat-related illnesses.

Many pilgrims expressed profound emotion at fulfilling their lifelong dream of performing Hajj. One Pakistani pilgrim, Ali, described his experience as “very blessed” after three years of trying to participate. The increased safety measures this year aim to prevent a repeat of the 2024 tragedy, which disproportionately affected unregistered pilgrims lacking access to essential amenities.