Around 1.5 million followers around the world in the kingdom are expected this week. Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia that takes place for five to six days, is one of the best religious manifestations that exists. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. Any Muslim who has the media is required to achieve it at least once in his life.
Last year, 1,301 people died, mainly due to the warm climate. Temperatures could reach 50 degrees this year again.
To limit heat -related risks, covered passages have been extended in 50,000 square meters, 10,000 trees planted to offer shadow, 400 fresh water points installed, as well as thousands of nebos.
The “white roads” have been extended, these paved alleys with recycled materials that absorb less heat.
Add to that, the use of artificial intelligence and an army of drones. The combination of the two will monitor the movements and better administer pilgrim flows to avoid phosphoros such as 2015 that had left 2,300 dead.
“There is no Hajj without a license”
The message is affected, it is shown in the shopping centers, it is transmitted in the media and social networks: “Without Hayy without a license.”
According to the authorities, 83% of the pilgrims who died last year were not authorized. Paid and granted according to fees, gives access to adequate infrastructure, such as air conditioned tents.
The criminals incur a fine of $ 5,000, twice as much as in 2024. Until now, more than 260,000 people have failed.
Financial Maná
The authorities want it to go well because the event is a showcase and a financial gain for the country.
Saudi Arabia has always invested in its sacred cities, but Muhammad Ben Salmane quickly understood that it was necessary to go further. Religious tourism is in the heart of the priorities of the heir prince, in the heart of the “Vision 2030” plan.
Dozens of projects have been carried out in recent years. Infrastructure creation with the construction of hotels and luxury buildings. Transport development with, for example, in 2018, the inauguration of a high -speed train line that connects Medina and Mecca in less than two hours. Project cost: $ 16 billion.
The kingdom wants to continue diversifying the economy, to get out of the dependence of hydrocarbons and the Hajj and Omra, which can be done at any time of the year, are occasions that should not be lost.
According to a future study study (IMF), the Hajj tourism industry in Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid development, its value exceeding $ 171 billion in 2024. This value should grow strongly to reach $ 343 billion by 2034. The report suggests a growth rate of more than 7% to 2034, even stronger than during the 2019-2023 period.
Foreign tourists represent almost 60% of visitors to sacred cities. 45% of them are between 46 and 55 years old, “an age group that benefits from financial stability that allows them to meet the requirements of the Hajj,” the report specifies.
The Mecca Chamber of Commerce and the industry estimates between 25 and 30% the participation of income from the private sector of sacred cities extracted from the two pilgrimages. The income that after hydrocarbons income is the second contribution to public income.
Source: BFM TV
