Muslim believers from around the world begin the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, on Wednesday. Millions of Muslims from around the world are traveling to the city to participate; Saudi Arabia said 1,475,230 foreign pilgrims have arrived since Sunday.
Amid rising temperatures and logistical challenges, the pilgrimage has increasingly become a test of endurance for both pilgrims and the Saudi government, writes A2 CNN.
Last year's pilgrims faced temperatures reaching up to 47 degrees Celsius and more than 1,300 people lost their lives.
This year, Saudi authorities are advising caution from the sun, telling pilgrims to avoid going out during the day and uncovering their heads, except for rituals and if necessary.
Saudi Arabia has banned children under 12 from this year's Hajj, one of the biggest policy changes in recent years, A2 CNN reports.
Riyadh reportedly introduced the ban as a precautionary measure for the safety of children during the pilgrimage, which can be a dangerous environment for them due to large crowds.
Children are exempt from performing Hajj and are not required to fulfill other Islamic obligations, such as prayer and fasting, until they reach puberty.
But that doesn't stop some parents from wanting to take their children to experience the Hajj and see the holiest site in Islam, the Kaaba, the black cube-shaped structure that is the focal point for daily prayers.
The government has poured billions of dollars into expanding infrastructure in Mecca and Medina, building multi-story walkways, high-speed trains and sophisticated crowd control systems, reports A2 CNN.
In preparation for this year's hajj season, officials say they are widening roads to lower surface temperatures by several degrees. Drones will also be used to monitor the movements of pilgrims.
The Hajj takes place once a year during a specific period in the last month of the Islamic calendar. Most pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia well in advance, using the time to visit the holy city of Medina, pray at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, and perform a lesser pilgrimage called Umrah. (A2 Televizion)
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MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
